R 
-BIBLE  PLAYS 

BY 

RITA   BENTON 


"FT  J 


PN  6120  .R4  B4 
Benton,  Rita,  1881- 
Shorter  Bible  plays 


1— TtoXP 


THE  DAUGHTER  OF  PHARAOH 


Z\)t  3buigbon   i\rligious  Cbucation  <Icxts 
Babib  4£.  ©otonep,  General  €bttor 

GEORGE  HERBERT  BETTS,  Associate  Editor 


(* 


Shorter  Bible  Plays 


RITA^ENTON 


<*^^ 


THE  ABINGDON  PRESS 

NEW  YORK  CINCINNATI 


Copyright,  1922,  by 
RITA  BENTON 

All  Rights  Reserved 


The  right  to  produce  these  plays  for  religious  and  educational 
purposes  (without  personal  profit),  is  freely  granted. 

All  professional  acting  rights  and  moving  picture  rights  are 
fully  protected  by  copyright,  and  any  individual  or  company  de- 
siring to  produce  these  plays  for  profit  must  make  application  to 
the  author  and  pay  a  royalty  as  agreed  upon. 


Printed  in  the  United  States  of  America 


TO  MY  MOTHER 
and  Her  "Sunday"  Children 

Unto  her  little  child,  a  mother  saith: 

'The  Lord  is  everywhere,  so  have  no  fear." 
The  child  is  quieted  to  have  her  near. 

Like  unto  God  a  mother  comforteth. 

And  for  her  little  child  a  mother  prays : 

"That  he  may  love  me  much,  but  love  God  more !" 
But  'tis  our  mothers  that  we  all  adore; 

And  for  our  mothers,  give  we  God  the  praise. 

For  childhood  clearer  sees  God's  wondrous  grace, 
Sees  God's  love  shining  in  his  mother's  face. 

Copyrighted,  1922.  by  Rita  Benton 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Editor's  Introduction 5 

Noah's  Flood 1 1 

The  Proving  of  Abraham 38 

Moses  in  the  Bulrushes 44 

Up,  Up  from  Egypt  to  the  Promised  Land ! 53 

The  Call  of  Samuel 63 

David  and  Goliath 74 

The  Judgment  of  Solomon  (Longer  Version) 99 

The  Judgment  of  Solomon  (Shorter  Version) 116 

The  Good  Samaritan 122 

Manger  Service 1 29 


ILLUSTRATIONS 

The  Daughter  of  Pharaoh Frontispiece 

Noah's  Flood  page 

Noah's  Wife 10 

A  Son  of  Noah 15 

Wife  of  Noah's  Son 20 

A  Son  of  Noah 24 

Wife  of  Noah's  Son 26 

The  Animals  Leave  the  Ark 29 

The  Rainbow 32 

The  Proving  of  Abraham 

Abraham 37 

Moses  in  the  Bulrushes 

Moses  in  the  Bulrushes 43 

The  Daughter  of  Pharaoh  Names  Moses 49 

Up,  Up  From  Egypt  to  the  Promised  Land 

A  Page  of  Pharaoh 52 

The  Children  of  Israel  Hail  the  Promised  Land 59 


4  -       ILLUSTRATIONS 

The  Call  of  Samuel  page 

The  Child  Samuel  with  His  Parents 62 

The  Priest  Eli  Rebukes  His  Drunken  Sons 65 

David  and  Goliath 

David 73 

The  Challenger  for  Goliath 93 

The  Judgment  of  Solomon 

The  Judgment  of  Solomon  (Longer  Version) 98 

The  Children  (Shorter  Version) 115 

To  the  kindness  of  Edward  D.  Waters  we  are  indebted  for  the  use  of 
many  of  these  photographs. 


EDITOR'S  INTRODUCTION 

Increasingly  the  church  is  coming  again  to  use  re- 
ligious pageantry  and  plays  for  instruction  and  worship. 
In  the  earlier  history  of  religion  the  dramatic  expression 
of  religious  aspiration  and  feeling  was  almost  universal. 
The  dramatic  impulse  is  deeply  grounded  in  human  na- 
ture, and  may  be  made  to  appeal  to  the  highest  attributes 
of  reverence  and  devotion. 

Children  should  usually  themselves  be  the  actors  and 
not  mere  spectators.  In  acting  Bible  stories  they  learn 
how  intimately  the  past  is  linked  to  the  present,  and  how 
the  struggles  of  to-day  after  truth,  courage,  love,  are 
like  the  struggles  of  the  patriarchs  and  prophets.  The 
stories  become  more  vivid,  their  charm  grows,  as  we 
study  them  in  action — our  own  action.  And  when  we 
have  finished  the  production  of  a  Bible  play  a  portion  of 
the  most  beautiful  of  all  literature  is  ours  forever. 

In  a  portion  of  the  plays  they  act  out,  the  children 
should,  under  wise  leadership,  devise  and  prepare  their 
own  parts  and  lines.  Along  with  these  spontaneously 
planned  representations,  however,  should  come  a  fair 
proportion  of  carefully  prepared  simple  artistic  plays 
adapted  to  the  age  and  understanding  of  the  child  and 
calculated  to  teach  the  lesson  desired.  Besides  teaching 
their  own  particular  lessons,  such  plays  will  serve  as  a 
model  and  standard  for  the  children  in  preparing  their 
own  presentations. 

It  is  the  purpose  of  the  present  volume  to  offer  a  col- 
lection of  shorter  Bible  plays  of  high  standard,  great 

5 


6  EDITOR'S  INTRODUCTION 

beauty,  simplicity,  and  careful  adaptation.  All  of 
these  plays  have  been  used  many  times  over  with  groups 
of  children  in  church  schools,  and  their  value  thor- 
oughly proved.  The  editors  offer  the  book  to  the  church 
public  believing  it  will  be  a  helpful  factor  in  the  field  of 
religious  education. 


COSTUMES 

The  costumes  used  in  these  Bible  plays  have  been 
largely  copied  from  Tissot's  illustrations  of  the  Bible. 

A  straight  piece  of  bleached  or  unbleached  muslin, 
seamed  at  the  sides  up  to  arm-hole,  with  a  slit  for  the 
neck,  has  been  found  the  simplest  foundation  costume. 

Variations  on  this  are: 

A  girdle. 

Sleeves. 

Fringes. 

A  cloak  of  contrasting  color,  of  the  same  pattern  as 
the  slip,  but  open  in  front. 

Several  yards  of  material  of  contrasting  color,  thrown 
over  the  head  or  shoulders,  or  draped. 

Strips  of  cloth,  four  to  six  inches  wide,  sewed  the 
length  of  the  costume.  Black  strips  against  white  make 
an  effective  costume. 

For  the  head  use  a  square  of  white  cloth  bound  round 
with  a  thick,  dark  cord. 

For  women  the  cloth  may  be  lighter.  They  may  wear 
two  girdles  instead  of  one,  with  the  material  puffed  out 
between  the  girdles.  Their  veils  also  should  be  of  lighter 
material;  over  these  a  heavy  mantle  may  hang,  if  de- 
sired. 

Barefoot  sandals  or  Japanese  sandals  will  do  for  the 
feet,  if  antique  sandals  cannot  be  made.  In  many  cases 
it  is  preferable  that  the  actors  go  barefoot. 

7 


8  COSTUMES 

For  bracelets,  crowns,  scepters,  fans,  buy  sheet  copper 
or  brass,  tin  shears,  and  cut  as  desired.  These  will  last 
forever. 

For  soldier  costumes,  make  brilliant,  short  tunics. 
Belt  these  in  with  a  twelve-inch  strip  of  brown  buckram, 
which,  in  turn,  is  tied  on  with  a  bright  cord.  Use  cone- 
shaped  caps. 

Egyptian  costumes  may  always  be  indicated  by  a  belt 
with  a  broad  flap  in  the  center,  reaching  from  waist  to 
hem.  For  headdresses,  use  striped  cloth;  draw  the  two 
front  ends  under  the  cloth  and  pin  at  the  back  of  the 
head. 

For  Babylonian  costumes,  take  several  yards  of  ma- 
terial ;  sew  fringe  to  the  ends  and  one  side ;  pin  one  end 
of  the  goods  at  the  back  of  model ;  wind  goods  about 
waist  of  model  so  as  to  form  a  skirt,  and  pin  to  end  of 
goods;  carry  the  rest  of  the  goods  around,  under  right 
arm,  over  left  shoulder,  about  neck,  over  right  arm ;  tuck 
in  and  hold  in  place  by  a  three-inch  belt.  For  head-gear 
use  tall  caps  rather  resembling  a  sugar  loaf.  Use  heavy 
white  canvas ;  this  may  be  painted  or  fringed. 

Try  to  use  strong,  bright  colors,  with  white  and  black 
and  brown.  Avoid  navy  blue,  turkey  red,  baby  blue  or 
pink.     Try  to  use  the  same  color-values. 

SCENERY 
A  sea-blue  curtain  is  the  one  essential. 


NOAH'S  WIFE 


NOAH'S  FLOOD 

THE  PEOPLE 

Messenger  of  God.  Idolaters. 

Noah.  Animals. 
His  Wife.  •  (The  number  and  kind 

Shem.  of  animals  must  be  left  to 

Ham.  the  costumer.    Where  the 

Japheth.  animals  mentioned   in  the 
Wives    of    Shem,    Ham,     play  are  left  out,  mention 

Japheth.  of  them  must  be  omitted.) 

THE  PLACE 

Scene  I.         The  building  place  of  the  Ark. 
Scene  II.       Mount  Ararat. 

The  Ark  may  be  built  on  a  framework  of  wood,  cov- 
ered with  cloth  to  represent  a  child's  toy.  Bright  colors 
are  preferable,  such  as  gray  and  scarlet.  Or  the  Ark  may 
be  cut  out  of  wall  board.  A  door  on  hinges  must  be  cut  in 
the  side,  also  a  window.  A  gangplank  may  lead  up  to 
door.  If  the  play  is  given  indoors,  a  blue  back-drop  may 
be  used  against  which  colored  lights  may  be  thrown,  to 
indicate  storm.  If  given  out  of  doors,  a  blue,  smiling  sky 
is  always  desirable. 

Thin  tarlatan  may  be  cut  in  the  shape,  and  painted  to 
represent  the  rainbow,  and  stretched  on  a  curved  bit  of 
wire. 

ii 


12 


SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 


THE  PROPERTIES 

A  hammer  and  nails.  An  idol. 

Fruit.  A  few  stones  for  altar. 

Pitchers    and    platters  of     Two  doves  or  pigeons. 

food.  A  Flood  Curtain. 

A  rainbow. 

Trees,  such  as  are  seen  in  a  child's  Noah's  Ark,  may 
be  cut  out  of  wood  and  painted  a  vivid  green.  These  will 
aid  the  picture. 


NOAH'S  FLOOD 

(Taken  in  large  measure  from   the  play  by  Ranulf 
Higden  of  Saint  IVerburgs,  Chester.  A.  D.  1299-1364.) 

Scene  I.     The  building  place  of  the  Ark. 

(The  three  Sons  of  Noah  enter  and  work  upon  the  ark 
with  hammer  and  nails,  or  any  building  tools.  Occa- 
sionally comes  a  distant  cry  of,  "Ho,  ho!  Ark-build- 
ers!" They  look  up  impatiently.  Presently  some  imp- 
ish Children  run  in.) 

First  Child  (jecringly) :  Ark-builders,  ark-builders, 
where  is  your  wit? 

Second  Child:  Ark-builders,  ark-builders,  when  do  you 

flit? 

(Shem  and  Ham  drop  their  tools  and  chase  the  children 
out,  following  them.  Japheth  continues  his  work  at 
the  door.  Presently  the  children  reappear,  entering 
from  the  other  side.) 

Children  (laughing  merrily  and  pointing  at  ark)  : 
Ho,  ho,  ho,  ho,  ho ! 

(Japheth  goes  inside  and  slams  the  door.) 

Third  Child:  Ark-builder,  ark-builder,  come  out  again. 

Children  :  Ark-builder,  ark-builder,  where  is  your 
rain?   (They  run  out.) 

13 


14  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(Noah  comes  out  of  the  door  and  looks  anxiously  up  at 
the  sky.  The  Messenger  enters;  Noah  bends  pros- 
irate.  ) 

Messenger: 

God,  who  all  this  world  has  wrought, 
Heaven  and  earth  and  all  of  naught, 
Sees  his  people  in  deed  and  thought 

Are  lost  in  sin. 
Man  that  he  made  he  will  destroy, 
Saving  a  few  who  are  his  joy, 

And  have  his  servants  been. 
Noah,  a  righteous  man  thou  be, 
A  ship  hast  thou  ma-de  me, 

Of  trees  dry  and  stout. 
Three  hundred  cubits  is  it  long, 
And  fifty  broad  to  make  it  strong, 
Of  height  fifty,  lest  it  be  wrong, 

Thus  measure  it  about. 
One  window's  made  with  skill  and  wit, 
A  cubit  of  length  and  breadth  is  it; 
A  door  upon  the  side  doth  sit, 

For  to  come  in  and  out. 
Destroy-ed  all  the  world  shall  be, 
Save  thou,  thy  wife  and  children  three; 
And  their  three  wives  also  with  thee, 

Shall  live  without  a  doubt.  {The  Messenger  goes.) 

Noah  (rising  cind  raising  arms  to  heaven)  : 

O'Lord,  I  thank  thee;  thou  art  kind, 
That  savest  me  from  all  man-kind. 


NOAH'S  FLOOD 


15 


A  SOX  OF  NOAH 


i6  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

( Calls. ) 

Haste  ye,  children;  God  doth  call. 
Hie  ye,  lest  the  water  fall. 
Shem,  Ham,  Japheth,  come  ye  here! 
Haste  ye,  haste  ye,  son-nes  dear. 

(Japheth  enters  from  within  ark;  Shem  and  Ham  enter 
shaking  their  fists  angrily  at  Idolaters  without,  who 
mock  and  jeer.) 

Idolaters  (without):  Ho,  ho!  Ark-builders!  Ark- 
builders,  ho,  ho! 

Shem  : 

Father,  the  people  mock  at  us  and  jeer. 
They  say,  "See  Noah  and  his  son-nes  dear! 
Where  is  the  flood  of  which  they  have  such  fear?" 

Noah  : 

Aye,  let  them  mock,  for  God  hath  said  to  me: 
"Thy  house  shall  live;  the  rest  shall  swallowed  be 
E'en  in  the  mighty  belly  of  the  sea." 

Japheth:  But,  father,  art  thou  sure? 

Noah  (sternly) :  Well?  Sure  of  what? 

Japheth  (hastily:)  Nay,  nay,  I  see  I'm  wrong;  I  ques- 
tion not. 

Noah: 

Doubt  not,  for  God  hath  given  a  sign. 
Now  let  your  wives  bring  food  and  wine, 
Water  and  fodder  for  the  kine, 
And  work  right  busily. 

(All  work  busily.    The  Wives  enter  carrying  pitchers 


NOAH'S  FLOOD  17 

and  platters  of  fruits.   Noah's  Wife  enters  leisurely, 
carrying  a  distaff,  or  a  plate  of  fruit.) 

Noah's  Wife: 

Noah,  my  husband,  dost  thou  then  believe 

That  the  good  God  would  so  his  children  grieve, 

And  drown  them  all?    Thou  dost  thyself  deceive. 

Noah  :   I  do  believe  it. 

Noah's  Wife: 

Nay,  how  comes  it,  when 

The  world  is  drowned  that  we  be  sav-ed  then, 

That  we  alone  be  saved  of  living  men  ? 

Noah: 

Because  to  no  false  gods  we've  bowed  the  knee, 
Therefore  God  hath  said  to  me : 
'Thou  and  thy  family  shall  sav-ed  be." 

Noah's  Wife: 

And  must  our  friends  and  all  our  kindred  die? 
I  cannot  save  myself  and  hear  their  cry. 
If  they  cannot  be  saved,  no  more  will  I. 

Noah  : 

Peace,  woman,  go  within.     (Points  sternly.) 

Noah's  Wife: 
I  will  not  go. 

Noah  : 

Then  stand  without  and  watch  the  waters  flow. 
Thou  wilt  be  glad  to  enter  soon,  1  know.    (She  seals 
herself  beside  ark  and  munches  apple  or  plies  distaff.) 
Hark,  what  was  that? 


i8 


SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 


Ham  (sullenly) : 

Tis  the  idolaters ;  they  make  them  merry 
With  worship  of  false  gods — and  all  contrary 
To  the  true  God's  command. 

Noah: 

How  long,  O  Lord,  how  long  must  we 

Listen  to  this  mockery? 

O  let  the  flood  appear  on  sea  and  land ! 

(Music.    Enter  the  Idolaters  carrying  an  idol  of  gold. 
They  sing  and  dance  about  it.) 


Unison.  Chorus 


"Soldiers'  Chorus''  from  Faust 


Pour         out     the    wine  to    the  gods  of  old;        Praise 


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NOAH'S  FLOOD 


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Arrangement  Copyright,  191 1,  by  The  Cable  Company 

(One  Idolater  pours  out  a  libation  of  wine.  Noab 
strides  forward  and  knocks  over  idol.   The  Idolaters 

luiddlc  back.) 

Noaii  :  Cursed  be  the  man  that  maketh  any  graven  or 
molten  image,  an  abomination  to  the  Lord ! 

Idolaters  :   Sacrilege ! 

Noah  :  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  in  the  city,  and  cursed  shalt 
thou  be  in  the  stall !  Cursed  shalt  thou  be  when  thou 
comest  in,  and  cursed  shalt  thou  be  when  thou  goesl 
out! 

Sons  ( loudly  ) :   Amen  ! 

Idolaters:  Woe!  Woe!  Woe!   (They  surge  forward.) 

First  Idolater:   Upon  them  ! 

Second  Idolater:   Scatter  them! 

Third  Idolater:    Destroy  them  ! 

Fourth  Idolater:   No!    ( lie  pushes  others  back.) 
It  is  the  old  ark-builder.     Very  sad! 
Cursing  of  other  men  hath  made  him  mad. 


20 


SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 


WIFE  OF  NOAH'S  SON 


NOAH'S  FLOOD  21 

A  Maiden  (holding  out  her  hand  to  Japheth)  : 
Come,  join  in  the  dance; 

Be  glad  and  sing. 
For  the  juice  of  the  grape 

Is  a  pleasant  thing", 
And  hath  sweet  fragrance. 

Be  glad  and  sing'. 

(The  Idolaters  start  out,  Japheth  follozving.) 

Noah's  Wife:    My  son,  and  dost  thou  leave  me? 

Noah  : 

Go  thy  ways. 

Thou  shalt  repent  thee  before  many  days. 

First  Idolater  (pointing  upward  mockingly) : 
I  see  a  cloud  in  the  sky;  it  grows. 
Perchance,  it  is  your  flood.     Who  knows? 
Get  into  the  ark  lest  it  wet  your  toes. 

All  the  Idolaters  (laughing) :    Get  into  the  ark  lest 
it  wet  your  toes.    (They  dance  out  with  Japheth.) 

Noah  (arms  upraised) : 

Woe,  woe,  woe  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  earth, 

For  the  hour  of  her  desolation  cometh!    (Turns  to 

other  sons.) 
Have  done,  ye  men  and  women  all, 
Hie  ye,  lest  the  water  fall. 
Of  clean  beasts,  seven  shall  be, 
Of  unclean,  two ;  thus  God  bade  me ; 
The  flood  is  nigh,  I  plainly  see ; 
Wherefore  hasten  ye, 
And  see  now  that  each  beastie  be  in  stall. 


22  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(Shem  and  Ham  go  out.    Noah  turns  Jiis  back  and 
laments) : 

And  Japheth  hath  forsaken  me — my  son! 
O  my  son  Japheth,  O  my  son,  my  son! 

Noah's  Wife  (mocking) : 

Why  dost  thou  grieve?  The  Lord  hath  promised  thee, 
Thou  shalt  be  saved  and  all  thy  family. 

Noah  (turning) : 

Yea,  it  is  well,  and  God  doth  not  deceive. 
He  will  return  again,  I  do  believe. 

Ham  (returns) : 

The  animals  are  in  the  ark, 

Save  those  which  Shem  now  bringeth.     Hark! 

Hear  ye  the  roaring  and  the  bark? 
(Loud  roarings  heard  outside.) 
(Enter  Shem  with  procession  of  animals.  Ham  aids  him 

drive    the    animals.     First    of    all    enters    a    solitary 

Dragon.) 
Noah  :   Where  is  your  mate,  good  Dragon  ?   Tell  me — 

where? 
Dragon  (with  a  mournful  flap  of  his  claw) : 

She  is  eating  up  the  village  over  there. 

She  bade  me  ask  how  many  there  would  be 

Within  the  ark? 
Noah  :    My  sons,  their  wives  and  me. 
Dragon  :   I  cannot  add. 
Noah  :    In  all  there  will  be  eight. 
Dragon  (mournfully) : 

Alack,  alack,  good  Noah,  it  is  fate. 


NOAH'S  FLOOD  23 

I  fear  she  would  not  enter  if  she  knew. 
She  eats  a  man  a  day ;  ye  are  too  few. 

Wives  (to  Noah,  with  horror  in  their  faces) :  O  father! 
Dragon  : 

Do  not  fear ;  too  few  ye  be, 

And  eke  too  thin,  to  suit  my  wife  and  me.    (Crazvls 

out.) 

Shem  (bringing  other  animals  up) : 

Sir,  here  are  monkeys,  frogs  and  bears, 

Kangaroos,  giraffes  and  hares, 

Elephants  also  in  pairs.    (Goes  out.) 
(The  Bear  sits  doz^'ii  facing  audience,  and  scratches  Jiis 

nose.    The  Monkey  runs  azvay;  he  is  brought  back. 

The  other  Monkey  climbs  on  roof  of  ark  and  pulls  the 

ear  of  Giraffe  as  tliat  beast  looks  out  of  zvindozv. 

They  drag  the  Elephant   in   with  great  difficulty. 

Noah  counts  off  the  animals  as  they  enter.)^ 
Noah  : 

Enter  monkeys — frogs — bears — 

Kangaroos — giraffes — hares — 

Elephants  also  in  pairs — 

Stop!   Stop!   Too  many  rabbits  far  there  he. 

Rabbit  (one  of  a  group  of  little  white  rabbits) :    O  sir, 
I  only  brought  my  family.    (Weeps.) 

Noah  : 

Where  are  the  lions?  {One  Lion  stalks  in;  Wives 
flee.)  Thou  art  late;  turn  ye,  O  Lion;  seek  your 
mate. 

(Whereupon  the  Lion  shall  turn  to  audience  and  roar 


24 


SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 


A  SON  OF  NOAH 


NOAH'S  FLOOD  25 

until  his  mate  shall  run  to  Jiiin,  and  botJi  shall  enter  the 
ark  together.) 

(If  so  be  that  any  child  shall  cry  or  whimper  when  he 
heareth  the  lion  roar,  then  shall  the  Hon  remove  Jiis 
mask  and  say,  "Good  child,  be  not  afraid.") 

Noah: 

Now  all  are  in,  I  plainly  see 
The  ark  can  nowise  fuller  be, 
Save  should  my  son  return  to  me. 

(Japheth  enters  running.) 

Japheth  (kneeling) : 

Lo,  I  have  sin-ned  against  thee; 
I  pray  forgiveness  heartily, 
And  do  repent  me  sore. 

Noah  (embracing  him)  : 

Haste  ye,  haste  ye,  son-ne  dear ! 

The  sky  grows  dark;  the  flood  is  near; 

And  waters  'gin  to  roar. 

(The  waters  begin  to  rise.  This  may  be  shown  by  a 
painted  curtain,  by  folds  of  green  tarlatan  or  in  any 
ivay  the  wisdom  of  the  producer  may  suggest.  Noah's 
Wife  begins  to  look  uneasy  and  regards  the  sky.) 

Noah  :   Good  wife,  wilt  thou  enter  now  ? 

Noah's  Wife  (hastily) :   Yes,  good  Noah,  yes,  I  trow! 

(Slie  runs  up  gang-plank.) 

Noah  (to  sons) : 

Draw  the  plank;  make  all  fast. 
The  flood  cometh  quick  at  last. 


26 


SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 


WIFE  OF  NOAH'S  SON 


NOAH'S  FLOOD  27 

(They  draw  up  plank;  then  Shem  points  to  distance. 
Two  Tortoises  enter,  panting.  With  grins,  the  sons 
shove  out  the  plank  and  Tortoises  enter  ark.  They 
close  the  door  and  window.  Enter  a  Woman  of  the 
Idolaters,  carrying  a  baby.  She  enters  between  the 
flood-curtain  and  the  ark.) 

Woman  (cries) : 

Good  Noah,  I  repent  me  of  my  sin ! 

O  ope  the  door,  good  man,  and  take  me  in ! 

0  ope  the  door !  » 

Noah  (looking  out  of  window) : 

Call  on  your  gods  to  lift  you  from  the  wave. 
Are  your  gods  helpless  that  they  cannot  save? 

Woman  (holding  up  baby)  :  Yet  save  my  child! 

Noah's  Wife  (at  the  window)  : 
Yea,  save  the  child  we  must; 
For  God  is  merciful  as  well  as  just. 

Noah: 

Cry  to  the  gods  of  gold  to  give  release. 

1  am  forbid  to  save  you;  go  in  peace. 

(He  closes  the  window;  she  sinks  with  her  child  behind 
the  waves.  The  zvater  rises;  those  within  the  ark  chant 
a  psalm.) 

Noah  (chanting) : 

The  floods  have  lifted  up,  O  Lord, 
The  floods  have  lifted  up  their  voice; 
The  floods  lift  up  their  waves; 

All  (chanting) : 

Above  the  noise  of  many  waters, 


28  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

And  mighty  breakers  of  the  sea, 
The  Lord  on  high  is  mighty. 

Scene  II 

Enter  the  Messenger.    (If  the  play  is  given  in-doors, 

this  may  be  omitted.) 
Messenger: 

Although  yon  sky  be  peaceful  and  serene, 

I  pray  you  that  the  son-ne  be  not  seen, 

And  that  instead,  ye  hear  the  thunder's  roar, 

And  lightning's  flash,  as  ne'er  ye've  seen  before, 

And  rains  descend  as  ye  shall  see  no  more. 
(Messenger  goes.) 

(Noah  opens  window;  there  is  a  loud  roaring.) 
Noah: 

Peace!    (The  noise  stills.) 

Now  forty  days  are  fully  gone, 

Send  a  dove  I  will  anon, 

To  see  if  aught  of  tree  or  stone 
Be  dry  in  any  place. 

And  if  this  fowl  come  not  again, 

It  is  a  sign  God  stops  the  rain, 

And  all  is  dry  in  hill  and  plain, 
By  God,  his  grace. 

Go  forth,  O  Dove,  and  quickly  see 

If  this  flood  yet  doth  cease; 

If  so,  return  again  to  me 

With  the  olive  branch   of  peace.     (He  lets  dove 
loose.) 
Cries  Within  Ark:   The  dove!  The  dove! 


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30  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Japheth  (appearing  at  window)  : 
O  father,  in  the  east  a  dove  is  seen, 
And  in  his  bill,  an  olive  branch,  right  green. 

(Noah  disappears  within  ark  and  returns,  bearing  dove 

and  olive  twig.) 
Noah: 

O  Lord,  blessed  be  thou  for  aye, 

That  us  hath  comforted  this  day, 

And  turned  toward  us  thy  face. 

Yet  once  again,  sweet  dove,  go  forth, 

To  the  east,  west,  south  and  north, 

And  find  a  resting  place. 

If  thou  come  not  again  to  me, 

Then  full  plainly  can  I  see 

The  flood  is  over  by  God's  piteous  grace.    (He  sends 
dove  forth  again.) 
Noah's  Wife  (opening  door) : 

The  dove  returns  not ;  it  is  gone  for  aye. 

Let  us  go  forth  out  of  the  ark,  I  pray. 

Noah: 

Ah,  Lord,  honored  must  thou  be. 
All  the  earth's  dry,  I  can  see. 

Noah's  Wife: 

Son-nes,  open  wide  the  door ; 
See  the  plank  be  shoved  ashore; 
Lead  the  animals  before 
Right  merrily. 

First  Son's  Wife  (beckoning  others) : 
Sisters,  come;  dance  and  sing! 
The  earth  is  all  a-blossoming. 


NOAH'S  FLOOD  31 

Second  Son's  Wife: 

Sing  and  dance  with  glee  and  mirth; 
For  the  floods  have  left  the  earth. 

Third  Son's  Wife:   Raise  your  voices  with  a  shout: 

All  Three  Wives  :  We're  out  of  the  ark  at  last !  We're 

out! 
(The  wives  dance  in  a  little  circle  and  sing.) 


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Sing,     Cue  -  koo 


Ewe     bleat  -  eth 


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Bird     greet  -  eth,   ewe     bleat  •  eth,  loud  -  ly   sing,  Cue  -  koo. 


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NOAH'S  FLOOD  33 

Noah  (scandalized,  descends  upon  them) : 

Peace !  A  psalm  of  thanks  now  raise, 
Unto  God  with  hymns  of  praise, 
For  his  mighty  and  his  wondrous  ways.    (All  gather 
about  altar  of  stones.) 

Lord  God  in  majesty, 

That  such  grace  hath  granted  me 

Alone  of  mankind  saved  to  be, 

Therefore  make  I  offering  meet, 

A  sacrifice  of  savor  sweet ; 

And  let  the  incense  mount  unto  thy  heavenly  seat. 

(Japheth  brings  a  sacrifice;  Noah  lays  it  on  altar.  If 
the  play  be  out  of  doors,  they  offer  it  up  by  tire.  Enter 
the  Messenger.) 

Messenger: 

Noah,  list  ye  God,  his  will : 
To  obey  is  better  still 

Than  sacrifice;  and  thou  hast  God  obeyed. 
God  doth  promise  now  through  me, 
Never  again  a  flood  shall  be. 

Thou  hast  done  in  all  things  as  he  said. 
My  bow  between  you  and  me 
In  the  firmament  shall  be ; 
By  this  token  you  shall  see 
That  man  and  woman  shall  nevermore 
Be  wasted  with  water  as  hath  been  before. 


34 


SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 


{Here  let  a  rainbow  appear  in  the  sky.) 

Now  when  falleth  fast  the  rain, 
I  will  bring  the  sun  again; 
And  this  bow  shall  plain  be  seen 
As  token  that  my  wrath  and  spleen 

Shall  never  wakened  be. 
The  bow-string  is  turned  towards  you; 
And  toward  me  is  bent  the  bow. 
That  such  weather  shall  be  no  mo'e, 

I  promise  thee. 
God's  blessing,  Noah,  I  give  thee  here  (Blesses  him; 

all  kneel), 
For  vengeance  shall  no  more  appear. 
And  now  farewell,  my  darling  dear.     (Messenger 

goes.) 

Son?:  Music;  "Gaudeamus" 


NOAH'S  FLOOD 


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36 


SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 


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(Noah,  his  Wife,  /zw  Sons  and  Sons'  Wives  woz^e 
slowly  off.    The  Animals  form  a  circle  and  dance.) 


ABRAHAM 


THE  PROVING  OF  ABRAHAM 

THE  PEOPLE 
Prologue  and  Epilogue. 

Abraham.  The  Messenger  or  Angel 

Isaac,  His  Son.  of  God. 

One  or  Two  Servants. 

THE  PLACE 
Scene  I  is  outside  the  tent  of  Abraham. 
Scene  II  is  Mount  Moriah. 

The  Prologue  takes  the  place  of  scenery  or  program. 

THE  PROPERTIES 

A  chair  or  bench. 
A  bundle  of  wood. 
A  knife. 


38 


THE  PROVING  OF  ABRAHAM 

(The  Prologue,  or  the  Servant  of  Abraham  (acting 
as  Prologue),  enters  and  boivs  lozv;  then,  drawing 
himself  erect,  points  to  imaginary  scenery.) 

Prologue:     This  is  the  tent  of  Abraham,  the  father  of 
his  people,  where  he  lives  with  Sarai,  his  wife,  and  his 
son,  Isaac,  whom  he  loves  above  all  else. 
I  am  the  servant  of  Abraham. 
Lo,  Abraham  enters  now  with  Isaac.    (The  Pro- 
logue goes.) 

(Abraham  enters,  leaning  on  Isaac.) 

Isaac  (pointing) :  My  father,  behold  the  lambs  yon- 
der! 

Abraham  :  Aye,  my  son,  they  are  for  the  sacrifice.  I 
ofTer  them  up  to  God  for  a  thank-offering  that  he  hath 
given  thee  to  me,  O  my  son.    (Seats  himself.) 

Isaac  (clinging  close  to  him) :  Dost  thou  love  me  more 
than  the  little  lambs? 

Abraham  (embracing  him) :  I  love  thee  more  than  all 
that  is  in  heaven  or  earth. 

Isaac  (struggling):  My  father,  let  me  go;  I  would 
go  play  with  the  lambs. 

Abraham  (releasing  him) :     Then  go,  my  son. 

(Isaac  runs  out.  Abraham  remains  seated;  then  sud- 
denly he  starts,  rises,  and  stands  with  arms  uplifted 
in  prayer.) 

39 


4o  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Abraham:  Here  am  I,  Lord.  (He  listens  with  strong 
emotion.)  O  Lord,  Lord,  what  is  this  thou  dost  re- 
quire of  me?  Must  I  give  up  Isaac  to  thee,  Isaac  the 
joy  of  mine  old  age  ?  ( There  is  a  pause  zvhile  he  prays 
silently;  then  he  speaks  humbly.)  Nevertheless,  not 
my  will,  O  Lord,  but  thine  be  done.  ( There  is  another 
pause;  then  he  calls.)   Isaac!  Isaac! 

(Isaac  runs  in.) 

Isaac:     Here  am  I,  father. 

Abraham  :  Get  ye  wood  for  a  burnt-offering,  and  sad- 
dle ye  the  ass,  for  I  will  go  up  upon  the  mount  to  sac- 
rifice. 

Isaac:     Aye,  father,  and  shall  I  go  with  thee? 

Abraham  :  Thou  shalt  indeed  go  with  me,  thou  and 
the  servant.  Get  thee  gone.  (Isaac  runs  out.)  Not 
my  will,  O  Lord,  but  thine!  O  Lord,  I  will  trust  in 
thee. 

(Isaac  enters,  carrying  a  bundle  of  fagots.) 

Isaac:  My  father,  all  is  ready.  The  ass  is  saddled, 
and  I  have  here  wood  for  the  burnt-offering. 

Abraham  (placing  his  arm  about  him) :  Come,  my 
son.    (They  go  slowly  out.) 

(The  Prologue  or  Servant  enters.) 

Prologue:  Behold,  now  Abraham  and  Isaac  approach 
the  mountains  of  Moriah.  I,  the  servant,  follow  after. 
(He  follows  them.) 

(Abraham  and  Isaac,  having  made  the  circuit  of  the 
room,  approach.) 


THE  PROVING  OF  ABRAHAM  41 

Abraham  :  This  is  the  mountain  on  which  I  shall  sac- 
rifice. (To  servant.)  Abide  thou  yonder  with  the 
ass.  I  and  the  lad  will  worship ;  then  I  will  come  again 
to  thee.    (The  Servant  bozvs  and  withdraws.) 

Isaac:     My  father? 

Abraham:     Here  am  I,  my  son. 

Isaac:  My  father,  behold  the  fire  and  the  wood,  but 
where  is  the  lamb  for  the  burnt-offering? 

Abraham:  O  my  son,  God  will  provide  the  sacrifice. 
(Bends  over  him.)  O  my  son,  before  thou  wert  born 
I  longed  for  thee,  and  since  thou  wast  a  little  lad  I 
have  loved  thee  with  a  greater  love  than  I  have  given 
my  God.  Now  I  am  punished.  For  the  Lord  hath 
commanded  me,  saying:  "Take  thou  thine  son,  thine 
only  son  whom  thou  lovest,  even  Isaac,  and  offer  him 
up  for  a  burnt-offering  upon  the  mountains."  O  my 
son,  I  shall  do  even  as  the  Lord  hath  commanded  me, 
for  all  his  ways  are  perfect.  Fare  thee  well.  (He  em- 
braces him.) 

Isaac   (fearfully) :     Father — father — I — I   fear — 

Abraham:     Kneel  thou  upon  the  wood. 

(Isaac  kneels;  Abraham  raises  his  knife  to  slay;  a 
voice  calls  from  distance.) 

Voice  of  Messenger:     Abraham!     Abraham! 

Isaac  :     Hark,  O  my  father !    A  voice  calls,  "Abraham." 

Abraham  (zvith  knife  still  raised) :     Here  am  I,  Lord! 

(The  Messenger  enters  and  stays  Abraham's  hand.) 

Messenger:  O  Abraham,  thus  saith  the  Lord:  "Be- 
cause thou  hast  put  thy  trust  in  me,  therefore  will  I 


42  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

deliver  thee.  Lay  not  thine  hand  upon  the  lad,  for  now 
I  know  that  thou  fearest  God,  seeing  thou  hast  not 
withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son,  from  me." 

Abraham  (raising  arms  to  heaven) :  O  Lord,  blessed 
be  the  man  that  trusteth  in  thee. 

Isaac  (jumping  up) :  Lo,  father,  a  ram  is  there,  caught 
in  the  thicket.  Lo,  I  shall  fetch  the  ram  for  sacrifice. 
(He  runs  out.) 

Messenger:  Moreover,  thus  saith  the  Lord  God:  ''In 
blessing,  I  will  bless  thee,  and  in  thy  seed  shall  all 
the  nations  of  the  earth  be  blessed,  for  I  have 
PROVED  thee."     (The  Messenger  goes  out.) 

(Isaac  runs  in  with  great  excitement.) 

Isaac:  My  father,  the  ram  is  caught;  I  will  carry  the 
wood  yonder.    (Runs  out.) 

Abraham  :  O  God,  thou  hast  tried  me  and  known  me. 
O  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me 
in  the  way  everlasting.    (Goes  with  arms  upraised.) 

(The  Servant  or  Epilogue  advances.) 
Epilogue:     Mark  the  perfect  man,  and  behold  the  up- 
right :  for  the  end  of  that  man  is  peace.   (He  goes  out. ) 


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MOSES  IN  THE  BULRUSHES 


MOSES  IN  THE  BULRUSHES 

THE  PEOPLE 

Prologue  and  Epilogue.    (The  Prologue  is  introduced 
for  clarity,  where  there  is  no  scenery  or  program.) 

The  Baby  Moses.  The    Daughter    of 

(Have  a  real,  live  baby.)  Pharaoh. 

The  Little  Sister  First  Slave. 

of  Moses.  Second  Slave. 

The  Mother  of  Moses. 

Soldiers 

THE  PLACE 

A  marshy  place  by  a  river.  If  a  little  scenery  is  de- 
sired, take  an  old  window-shade,  sketch  upon  it  reeds 
and  cat-tails,  and  cut  it  so  that  when  the  little  sister 
hides  behind  it  she  may  appear  to  be  looking  through 
the  reeds.  The  Prologue  may  unfold  this  as  she  speaks, 
and  then  hold  it  up  so  as  to  conceal  herself. 

THE  PROPERTIES 

A  curtain  of  reeds  (if  desired). 

An  ark  (a  basket  bound  with  reeds  or  raffia). 

A  piece  of  gold. 

Two  fans. 

Spears  for  soldiers. 

44 


MOSES  IN  THE  BULRUSHES 

(The  Prologue  advances.  She  unfolds  the  curtain  of 
reeds  as  she  speaks.) 

Prologuk:  This  is  Egypt.  The  wicked  Pharaoh  holds 
the  children  of  Israel  in  bondage ;  but  they  are  grown 
so  many  that  he  fears  them.  Therefore  he  has  com- 
manded that  all  boy  babies  be  taken  from  their 
mothers'  arms  and  put  to  death. 

But  the  mothers  seek  to  hide  their  babies. 

Look  and  behold  the  marshy  waters  of  the  River 
Nile;  tall  reeds  grow  here;  it  is  the  hiding  place  one 
mother  has  chosen.  See,  she  and  the  sister  of  the 
babe  come  now  to  hide  him  from  the  soldiers  of 
Pharaoh.  (She  raises  the  curtain  of  reeds  above  her 
head,  or  passes  out.) 

(Enter  the  little  Sister  bearing  the  ark  of  bulrushes. 
She  looks  this  way  and  that  way;  then  she  calls 
softly.) 

Sister:  Mother,  this  way!  The  wicked  soldiers  will 
not  find  him  here. 

(The  Mother  enters  bearing  the  Baby.) 

Mother:  Is  there  no  one  in  sight?  (She  looks 
anxiously  about.) 

Sister:     No  one! 

Mother  (embracing  the  child) :     O  my  son,  the  cruel 

45 


46  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Pharaoh  would  slay  thee,  but  the  Lord  is  gracious; 

he  will  save. 
Sister:     Here  is  the  ark  of  bulrushes;  I  have  daubed 

it  well  with  pitch.     Shall  I  lay  it  among  the  flags  at 

the  river's  brink? 
(The  Mother  nods.  The  Sister  arranges  the  coverings 

in  the  basket.    The  Mother  hugs  the  child.) 
Mother:     O  my  baby!    (She  places  child  in  basket.) 
Sister   (peering  into  distance):     Mother,   sh-h-h!     I 

see  the  daughter  of  Pharaoh  in  the  distance ;  she  Com- 
eth to  bathe  in  the  river.    Oh — if  she  should  discover 

us! 
Mother  (looking  up  anxiously) :     God's  will  be  done! 
Sister  (still  peering  out):     One  of  her  maidens  is  a 

child  of  Israel,  but  the  other  is  a  proud  Egyptian.   See, 

now  they  stop  to  bathe. 
Mother  (rising  from  her  knees) :     I  must  return  lest  I 

be  missed  at  home  when  the  soldiers  make  the  daily 

search   for  children;  but  do  thou  watch  beside  the 

child,  and  in  the  nighttime  I  will  return  with  food. 
Sister:     That  will  I,  mother.     I  will  hide  in  the  tall 

reeds  yonder.    (The  Mother  moves  away;  Sister 

runs  after  her.)    But,  mother,  if  they  discover  the 

babe,  what  must  I  do? 
Mother    (earnestly) :     Surely    God    will    teach    thee. 

Pray.   (She  goes.) 
Sister  (crouching  beside  ark) :     O  God,  let  no  one  hurt 

my  little  brother!    O  God,  I  pray  thee.    (She  sings  a 

lullaby.) 


MOSES  IN  THE  BULRUSHES 


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No  doubt 


(The  Sister  Idoks  up,  startled,  then  flees  behind  the' 
reeds  as  the  Daughter  of  Pharaoh  approaches,  fol- 
lowed by  Slaves  bearing  fans.) 

Daughter  of  Pharaoh  :  Come,  maidens,  we  will  rest 
by  the  river's  brink,  where  the  flag  flowers  grow.  (SJic 
approaches  nearer.)  But  what  is  that,  floating  upon 
the  water? 

Egyptian  Slave:     Lady,  it  is  a  babe. 
Daughter  of  Pharaoh  :     Go  fetch  it, 
it  is  one  of  the  Hebrew  children. 

Egyptian  Slave:     A  Hebrew  brat? 
it,  I! 

(TJie  Daughter  of  Pharaoh  raises  her  hand  and 
strikes  the  saucy  maid,  as  the  other  slave,  the  Maid 
of  Israel,  brings  the  babe.    (Or  kneels  beside  it.) 

Slave  of  Israel  :     O  lady,  see  how  beautiful ! 

Egyptian  Slave:     Let  it  die,  even  as  Pharaoh  com- 
manded. 
Slave  of  Israel:     O  lady,  let  it  live!    Think  how  the 


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50  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

mother  loved  it.    See  how  cunningly  the  ark  is  daubed 
with  pitch  and  hidden  here,  'midst  the  flag-flowers. 

Egyptian  Slave:  If  you  let  it  live,  you  let  live  one 
more  enemy  to  Pharaoh. 

Daughter  of  Pharaoh  :  Hold  thy  tongue,  girl.  (She 
looks  doubtfully  at  child.) 

Egyptian  Slave  (cxultingly) :  Here  come  the  guard 
of  Pharaoh;  they  will  see  the  babe  and  slay  it.  (She 
points  to  distance.   All  look.) 

Daughter  of  Pharaoh  :  What  to  do  ?  Think,  girl, 
use  thy  wits.    ( To  Slave  of  Israel.  ) 

(The  little  Sister  rushes  from  reeds  and  kneels.) 

Sister  :     O  lady,  lady,  shall  I  go  and  call  a  nurse  of  the 

Hebrew  women,  that  she  may  nurse  the  child  for  thee? 
Daughter  of  Pharaoh:     Go — go  quickly.    (She  looks 

apprehensively  about.) 
Egyptian  Slave:     The  soldiers  cross  the  river. 
(The  little  Sister  returns,  followed  by  the  Mother.) 
Sister  (panting) :     Lady,  I  have  brought  a  nurse. 
Daughter  of  Pharaoh  :     Woman,  take  thou  this  child 

and  nurse  it  for  me,  and  I  will  give  thee  wages.   (Gives 

a  piece  of  gold.) 
Mother  (taking  child):     Daughter  of  Pharaoh,  may 

the  God  of  Israel  bless  thee. 
Daughter  of  Pharaoh  (turning  to  go) :     Fare  thee 

well. 
Egyptian  Slave  (cries):     The  soldiers! 
Daughter  of  Pharaoh  (turning  back) :     Fear  ye  not. 


MOSES  IN  THE  BULRUSHES  51 

(All  huddle  behind  her.  She  faces  the  Soldiers  as  they 
enter  and  salute.) 

First  Soldier  :  Daughter  of  Pharaoh,  we  make  search 
for  Hebrew  children.    One  hath  escaped  us. 

Daughter  of  Pharaoh  (haughtily) :  Who  art  thou 
to  question  me?     Pass  on. 

Second  Soldier:     But — the  babe  yonder?    (Points.) 

Daughter  of  Pharaoh  :  Is  the  adopted  son  of 
Pharaoh's  daughter.  Pass  ye  by.  (She  ivaves  them 
away.  They  salute  and  go.  She  takes  the  child  in  her 
arms  and  embraces  him.)  I  love  the  child.  (She  gives 
the  Child  to  his  Mother  and  turns  to  go;  then  she 
turns  back.)  Call  the  child  "Moses,"  for  that  means, 
"Drawn  up  out  of  the  water,"  and  remember  he  is 
dear  to  me  for  that  /  have  saved  him.  (She  goes  out 
follozvcd  by  her  maids.) 

(The  Mother  and  Sister  kneel  with  the  Child.) 

Mother  (prays) :  O  God  of  Israel,  bless  thou  this 
child,  and  as  thou  hast  drawn  him  up  out  of  the  water, 
grant  that  he  may  be  the  means,  through  thee,  to  lift 
his  people  out  of  slavery.    (They  rise  and  go.) 

(The  Epilogue  folds  curtain,  advances  to  front  of 
stage,  and  holds  up  hand.) 

Epilogue: 

O  give  thanks  unto  the  Lord,  call  upon  his  name : 

Make  known  his  doings  among  the  peoples. 

He  sent  Moses  his  servant, 

And  Aaron  whom  he  had  chosen. 

And  he  brought  forth  his  people  with  joy, 

And  his  chosen  with  singing.     (The  Epilogue  goes.) 


A  PAGE  OF  PHARAOH 


UP,    UP    FROM    EGYPT    TO    THE 
PROMISED    LAND 

THE  PEOPLE 

Pharaoh.  Moses. 

His  Dead  Son.  Aaron. 

First  Egyptian.  Miriam. 

Second  Egyptian.  The  Children  of  Israel 

Third  Egyptian.  (acted  by  the  Class). 

Page. 

THE  PLACE 

Scene  I.     The  palace  of  Pharaoh. 
Scene  II.  The  Red  Sea  shore. 

There  is  no  actual  change  of  scenery  in  this  play,  de- 
scription serving  the  purpose. 

THE  PROPERTIES 

A  litter  on  which  the  dead  son  of  Pharaoh  is  carried. 

Moses'  rod. 

Miriam's  cymbals. 

Fan  which  the  page  carries  over  Pharaoh. 

Spears  for  soldiers. 

53 


UP,    UP    FROM    EGYPT   TO   THE 
PROMISED    LAND 

(Enter  Pharaoh,  followed  by  Soldiers  carrying  the 
litter  of  his  dead  Son.  The  Egyptians  follow,  then 
Moses  and  Aaron.) 

First  Egyptian  {bowing  low) :  O  Pharaoh,  let  the 
children  of  Israel  go.  Lo,  there  is  mourning  in  the 
land  of  Egypt  because  thou  keepest  them  in  bondage. 
(He  points  to  the  Son  of  Pharaoh.) 

Egyptians:  Woe,  woe,  woe!  Yea,  the  god  of  Israel 
is  a  jealous  god ! 

Pharaoh  :  O  Moses  and  Aaron,  evil  have  ye  wrought 
in  the  land  of  Egypt,  and  accursed  is  the  land  while 
the  children  of  Israel  remain. 

Rise  ye,  get  ye  forth  from  my  people,  lest  your  god 
smite  us,  and  we  be  all  dead  men.  (He  passes  out  fol- 
lowed by  Soldiers  carrying  litter.) 

Moses  (to  Children  of  Israel  or  Class)  :  Ho,  men 
of  Israel!  (They  stand.)  Pharaoh  commands,  "Cease 
ye  the  burden  of  Egypt!" 

Children  of  Israel  (shout):     To  God  the  glory! 
(They  rush  into  aisle.) 

Aaron  :  Assemble  ye  your  wives  and  little  ones,  your 
camels  and  your  asses.  God  leads  us  to  a  land  of  milk 
and  honey.    On  now  to  Canaan,  to  the  promised  land ! 

Children  of  Israel  (shout) :     The  promised  land! 

54 


UP,  UP  FROM  EGYPT 


55 


(Aaron  leads;  the  Children  of  Israel  follow;  Moses 
brings  up  the  rear.    They  inarch  toward  the  back  of 
the  room  singing.) 
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(77/c'  Egyptians  zvatch  with  interest.) 

First  Egyptian:     A  mighty  army! 

Second  Egyptian  :     Six  hundred  thousand  strong ! 

Third  Egyptian  :     Pharaoh  will  rue  the  day  when  he 

let  these  slaves  escape  from  the  land  of  Egypt. 
First  Egyptian  :     There  he  cometh  in  mad  haste. 
(Pharaoh  enters  followed  by  Page  and  Soldiers.) 
Pharaoh  :     Lo,  it  repents  me  that  I  have  let  Israel  go. 

Let  my  soldiers  go  after  them  and  scourge  them  back. 

On  the  Red  Sea  shore  we  will  come  up  with  them.    On, 

my  men,  on ! 
(Pharaoh,  the  Egyptians  and  Soldiers  rush  down 

aisle  after  the  Children  of  Israel.    They,  in  the 

meantime,   have   made   the   circuit   of   the   room,   or 

church,  and  re-enter  the  stage,  or  chancel,  singing.) 


UP,  UP  FROM  EGYPT  57 

Song:  Same  Music  as  before. 
"Flowing  with  honey  is  the  promised  land; 
Flowing  with  honey  is  the  promised  land. 
Where  our  God  shall  lead  us,  we  will  go. 
O  hasten  to  the  promised  land!" 

Chorus:     As  before. 

Aaron  :  Men  of  Israel,  before  us  stretches  the  Red  Sea 
water;  here  we  will  make  our  camp. 

Miriam  (clutching  his  arm) :  O  Aaron,  look!  Behind 
us  see  the  shining  spears !  Behind  us  cometh  Pharaoh 
and  his  hosts.     Where  now  is  Moses? 

An  Israelite:  And  before,  stretches  the  Red  Sea 
water.    How  may  we  cross?    Where  now  is  Moses? 

Another  Israelite:  We  shall  be  brought  to  Egypt 
again  as  slaves.    Where  now  is  Moses? 

(Moses  pushes  Jiis  way  through  the  people.) 

Aaron  and  Others:  O  Moses,  why  hast  thou  thus 
dealt  with  us? 

Another  Israelite:  It  were  better  for  us  to  serve  in 
the  land  of  Egypt,  than  that  we  die  here  in  the  wilder- 
ness. 

Moses  :  Fear  ye  not.  Stand  still  and  see  the  salvation 
of  your  God.  For  the  Egyptians  which  ye  have  seen 
to-day,  ye  shall  see  them  no  more  forever.  (He 
stretches  out  his  rod.) 

Miriam  (exult  in  gly) :  The  Red  Sea  parts !  The  waves 
do  mount  on  either  side  like  giant  cliffs,  upheld  by  a 
monster  hand.  See  how  the  waves  do  lash  and  foam ! 
See!  See! 


58  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Moses  :     Forward,  ye  men  of  Israel ! 

(They  pass  down  the  central  aisle,  singing.) 
Song:    Same  Music  as  before. 
Through  Red  Sea  waters  to  the  promised  land! 
Through  Red  Sea  waters  to  the  promised  land! 
Where  our  God  shall  lead  us,  we  will  go. 
O  hasten  to  the  promised  land! 

Chorus:  As  before. 

(Pharaoh  and  his  men,  having  pursued  the  Children 
of  Israel  around  the  room,  appear  on  the  stage.) 

First  Egyptian  :  O  Pharaoh,  thy  soldiers  have  them 
in  a  trap.  Before  stretches  the  Red  Sea  water,  and 
behind,  behold  thy  shining  spears ! 

Pharaoh  :     On,  my  men,  on ! 

( The  Egyptians  and  the  Soldiers  rush  after  the  Chil- 
dren of  Israel.   Pharaoh  and  Jiis  Page  remain.) 

Page  :  See,  see,  the  Red  Sea  parts !  The  children  of 
Israel  walk  on  it  dryshod.   Verily,  their  god  is  God. 

Pharaoh  (loudly) :  Is  their  god  more  than  I?  Who  is 
Jehovah?     On,  my  men,  on! 

Page:  Thy  soldiers  obey;  thy  army  follows  after 
through  the  sea.  (A  pause  of  ten  seconds  while  they 
peer  into  distance.)  The  high  waves  tremble — O  let 
thy  soldiers  haste!  (A  pause  of  ten  seconds.  Then 
he  cries,  trembling  and  hiding  Jiis  eyes.)  O  lord,  the 
waves !  The  waves ! 

Pharaoh:  Waves,  stand  ye  back!  I,  Pharaoh,  bid  ye 
stay! 


UP,  UP  FROM  EGYPT 


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60  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Page  (looking  up)  :     They  fall ;  they  crush  !    Thy  army, 
the  waves  go  over  them. 

Pharaoh  (stretching  out  Jiis  arms) :     O  god  of  Moses, 
drive  the  sea  apart ! 

Page  (promptly) :     The  god  of  Moses  will  not  hear  thy 
prayer. 

Pharaoh  :     The  Israelites  exult. 

Children  of  Israel  (in  distance) : 

Who  is  like  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  gods? 

Glorious  in  holiness — 

Fearful  in  praises — 

Doing  wonders ! 

The  Lord  shall  reign  forever  and  ever. 

Miriam  (with  a  clash  of  cymbals) : 

I  will  sing  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  triumphed 
gloriously. 

This  is  my  God  and  I  will  praise  him. 

My  father's  God  and  I  will  exalt  him.  (Clash  of  cym- 
bals. ) 

Children  of  Israel: 

Who  is  like  unto  thee,  O  Lord,  among  the  gods  ? 
Glorious  in  holiness — 
Fearful  in  praises — 
Doing  wonders. 

The  Lord  shall  reign  forever  and  ever.  ( Clash  of  cym- 
bals. ) 

Pharaoh   (shaking  his  clinched  fist) : 
Mocked  at  by  god  and  man! 
I  will  raise  me  a  mightier  army  and  follow  after. 


Ljr,  UP  FROM  EGYPT  61 

I  will  pray  to  the  gods  of  Egypt.    (He  passes  hastily 
out.) 

Page  (stretches  out  his  arms  to  the  departing  Israel- 
ites) :  O  God  of  Moses,  /  will  pray  to  thee.  (He 
goes  slowly  after  Pharaoh.) 


THE    CHILD    SAMUEL   WITH    HIS    PARENTS 


THE    CALL    OF    SAMUEL 

THE  PEOPLE 

Prologue  and  Epilogue.  Samuel,  Son  of  Hannah 
Eli  the  Priest.  and  Elkanaii. 

Hophni,        )  R      „  Eirst  Soldier. 

Piiineiias,    \  HIS  b0NS'  Second  Soldier 

Hannah.  Third  Soldier. 
Elkanah. 

THE  PLACE 
Shiloh,  before  the  door  of  the  tabernacle. 

PROPERTIES 

A  seven-branched  candlestick  (if  feasible). 
Two  couches. 
A  jar  of  wine. 
Spears  and  shields. 


63 


THE    CALL    OF    SAMUEL 

{Enter  the  Prologue.) 

Prologue  : 

This  is  the  story  of  the  call  of  Samuel. 

The  scene  is  Shiloh,  before  the  door  of  the  tabernacle. 

Lo,  there  entereth  Eli,  priest  of  Israel.    (Prologue 

zvithdrazvs.) 

(Eli,  the  old  priest,  enters,  and  stands  praying.) 

Eli  :  O  Lord  God,  turn  thou  my  sons,  I  pray  thee,  from 
their  evil  ways.  Lo,  they  come  yonder,  full  of  wine 
and  drink,  a  disgrace  to  mine  old  age. 

(Hophni  and  Ptiinehas  come  swaggering  in,  arm  in 
arm.  One  has  a  jug  of  wine;  lie  drinks  and  hands  it 
to  the  other.  Eli  raises  a  trembling  hand  toward 
them.) 

Hophni:     Hi  there,  old  man,  art  going-  to  chide  again? 

Phinehas  {jnockingly):  Do  not  show  anger,  for 
anger  doth  not  become  a  man  of  God. 

Eli  :  My  sons,  why  will  ye  tempt  the  Lord  your  God  ? 
Turn  from  your  evil  ways  and  pray.  {Lays  a  Jiand 
on  Hophni.) 

Hophni  {jerking  away)'.  I  pray  not,  I!  Thou  hast 
ever  said  the  Lord  was  slow  to  anger. 

Eli  :  Yea,  but  the  cup  of  your  iniquity  is  full ;  and  I — 
I  suffer  in  your  fall. 

64 


66  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Phinehas  {laughs  mockingly)'.  Ah,  so?'  The  in- 
iquity of  the  children  shall  be  visited  upon  the  fathers? 
Eh  ?  Well,  who  is  responsible  if  not  the  father  ?  Come, 
Hophni,  come  where  it  is  merry. 

Hophni  {eagerly):  Yea!  (They  go  out  singing  and 
taking  turns  at  jug. ) 

Eli  (raising  his  arms  despairingly  to  heaven) :  O  God ! 
God!    (Passes  out.) 

(Enter  Hannah,  followed  by  her  husband,  Elkanah. 
She  is  weeping. ) 

Elkanah  (imploringly) :  Hannah,  why  weepest  thou? 
And  why  is  thy  heart  so  grieved?  If  it  be  because 
thou  hast  no  son,  grieve  not.  Am  I  not  better  to  thee 
than  ten  sons? 

Hannah:  Ai,  my  husband,  the  women  mock  me  that 
I  have  no  child.    (She  kneels  and  prays  silently.) 

(Eli  enters  and  observes  her  in  wonder,  for  silent 
prayer  was  unusual.) 

Eli:     Woman,  what  ails  thee? 

Hannah  (rising) :  Ah,  sir,  I  am  a  woman  of  sorrow- 
ful spirit;  I  pour  out  my  soul  before  the  Lord. 

Eli  :     Give  me  to  know  thy  sorrow. 

Hannah  :  I  prayed  unto  the  Lord  that  he  would  look 
upon  the  affliction  of  his  handmaid,  and  give  unto  me 
a  man-child.  If  he  do  so,  then  will  I  give  the  child 
unto  the  Lord  all  the  days  of  his  life. 

Eli:  A  man-child?  Nay,  ask  more.  Ask  that  he  grow 
in  the  grace  and  love  of  God,  else  will  the  gift  be  one 
of  sorrow, 


THE  CALL  OF  SAMUEL  67 

Hannah:  Ah,  sir,  that  shall  be  my  task — to  lead  him 
in  the  love  of  God. 

Eli:  Ai,  'tis  there  that  /  have  failed.  (He  raises  Jiis 
hands  and  blesses  her.)  Go  thou  in  peace,  and  the 
Lord  grant  thy  petition. 

Hannah  (bowing) :  May  thy  servant  find  grace  in 
thy  sight.     (She  and  Elkanah  go.) 

Eli  (prays) :  O  Lord  God,  O  let  this,  thy  servant,  find 
grace  in  thy  sight.  Forgive  thou  the  iniquity  of  my 
sons.  For  who  shall  follow  after  me,  O  Lord?  Who 
shall  be  judge  of  Israel,  if  not  my  sons?  Hear  my 
prayer,  O  Lord,  and  give  unto  me  an  answer  of  peace. 
(He  bows  his  head  and  passes  out.) 

(The  Prologue  reenters.) 

Prologue:  Now  many  years  have  passed.  Eli  is  still 
the  priest  and  judge  of  Israel,  though  he  is  blind;  and 
his  sons  continue  still  in  evil.  Yonder  come  Hannah 
and  her  husband  to  give  thanks  for  the  gift  of  the 
child  Samuel,  and  to  give  him  to  the  Lord.  (Prologue 
goes.) 

(Enter  Hannah  and  Elkanah  leading  the  child 
Samuel.) 

Hannah  (caressing  child) :  See  thou,  this  is  the  very 
spot  on  which  I  prayed  the  prayer  which  brought  me 
thee. 

Samuel  (roguishly)  :  God  heard  thy  prayer,  and  sent 
thee  a  little  son  to  boast  of.    (He  smiles  up  at  her.) 

Elkanah  (rumpling  Samuel's  hair):  Nay,  an  imp 
of  mischief! 


68  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(Eli  enters,  groping  blindly.  Samuel  regards  him  in 
amaze.) 

Samuel:  There  cometh  the  priest  in  raiment.  (He 
shrinks  azvay.)  Ai !  Why  walketh  he  in  such  fashion? 

Hannah:  He  is  become  blind.  {She  advances  to  him.) 
Sir— O  Eli— 

Eli  :  Woman,  thy  voice  is  known  to  me — and  yet — 
who  art  thou? 

Hannah  :  O  sir,  I  am  that  woman  who  stood  here 
praying,  these  many  years  ago.  For  a  child  I  prayed, 
and  the  Lord  hath  granted  my  petition.  {She  leads 
Samuel  to  Eli,  zvho  passes  his  hands  delicately  over 
the  child's  head.)  Therefore  I  also  have  given  the 
child  to  the  Lord.  As  long  as  he  liveth  he  is  granted 
to  the  Lord.  {She  turns  to  Samuel.)  Kneel  thou, 
my  son,  before  this  holy  man  and  beseech  him  to  take 
thee  into  the  service  of  the  Lord. 

Samuel  {pulls  Hannah  azvay  and  puts  his  lips  to  her 
ears) :  Hark!ee,  dear  mother,  I  would  fain  go  home 
with  thee  again. 

Hannah  :  Nay,  little  son,  night  approacheth ;  we  must 
leave  thee. 

Elkanah:  Come,  say,  "Farewell."  (Samuel  goes  to 
him.) 

Hannah    {prays,  as  though  facing  the  altar  of  the 
Lord) : 
My  heart  exulteth  in  the  Lord; 
My  horn  is  exalted  in  the  Lord. 


THE  CALL  OF  SAMUEL  69 

The  Lord  maketh  poor  and  maketh  rich; 

He  bringeth  low;  he  also  lifteth  up. 

For  by  strength  shall  no  man  prevail. 

The  Lord  shall  judge  the  ends  of  the  earth; 

He  shall  give  strength  unto  his  king 

And  exalt  the  horn  of  his  anointed. 
(She  turns,  embraces  the  child,  then  bows  before  Eli.) 

O  Eli,  priest  of  God  and  judge  of  Israel,  the  Lord  be 

with  thee. 
(Hannah  and  Elkanah  go.) 

Eli   (sits  on  couch  and  beckons  to  Samuel)  :     Come 

hither,  lad.   (Samuel  goes  to  him  reluctantly.)   What 

do  they  call  thee? 
Samuel  (sniffling) :     Samuel,  master. 
Eli:     Samuel?     And  what  hath  thy  mother  taught  to 

thee  ? 
Samuel:     She  hath  taught  me  that  the  Lord  Jehovah 

is  one  God,  and  there  is  none  beside  him,  that  I  must 

love  him  and  speak  truth  always. 

Eli:     And  what  else — if  there  be  aught  beside? 

Samuel:     She  bade  me  serve  and  follow  in  thy  steps. 

Eli  (musing) :  Follow  in  my  steps?  Come,  thou  shalt 
serve  these  blind  eyes  and  quench  the  candles.  (Omit 
this  if  there  arc  no  candles.)  (While  Samuel  puts 
out  the  candles,  Eli  muses.)  Follow  in  my  steps? 
Shall  it  then  be  this  lad,  and  not  my  sons,  who  shall 
rule  Israel?  Come,  little  lad,  thou  shalt  lie  here  the 
night.  (He  motions  to  couch  on  which  he  sits.  Samuel 
lies  down.     Eli  kneels  as  though  before  altar.)     O 


^  JAN  271! 


yo  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

God,  God,  would  that  my  sons  were  pure  as  is  this 
child !  Yea,  I  have  reared  my  sons  in  folly ;  now  I  reap 
the  punishment  thereof.  Lo,  what  shall  be  the  end? 
(He  falls  silent.) 

(There  is  a  pause;  then  Samuel  half  rouses  and  listens. 

He  runs  to  Eli.) 
Samuel:     Here  am  I,  master,  for  thou  calledst  me. 

Eli  :  Nay,  my  son,  I  called  thee  not ;  lie  down  again. 
(He  reclines  on  other  couch.) 

Samuel  (after  a  pause  of  about  twenty  seconds,  again 
runs  to  Eli):  Here  am  I,  master,  for  thou  calledst 
me. 

Eli  :     Nay,  my  son,  I  called  thee  not ;  lie  down  again, 

Samuel  (lies  down  for  twenty  seconds;  then  he  half 
rises  and  looks  bewildered) :  He  did  call  me,  he  did! 
he  did!  (He  crosses  to  Eli.)  Here  am  I,  master,  for 
truly  thou  didst  call  me. 

Eli  :  Not  I !  (He  reflects.)  It  is  the  Lord,  who  speak- 
eth  to  thee  and  not  to  me.  Alas,  I  have  not  the  open 
vision.  Go,  lie  down,  and  it  shall  be  if  he  call  thee, 
thou  shalt  say,  "Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant  hear- 
eth." 

(Samuel  lies  down;  presently  he  rises  and  kneels.) 
Samuel:     Speak,  Lord,  for  thy  servant  heareth. 
(There  is  a  pause  while  Samuel  listens.     Eli  turns  to- 
ward  him  eagerly,  then  calls.) 

Eli:  Samuel,  my  son!  (Samuel  goes  to  him  slowly.) 
What  is  this  thing  the  Lord  hath  spoken  to  thee?  I 
pray  thee,  hide  it  not. 


THE  CALL  OF  SAMUEL  71 

Samuel  (reluctantly) :  He  said — he  said — the  Lord 
hath  said:  Behold,  I  will  judge  the  house  of  Eli  for- 
ever, because  his  sous  did  bring  a  curse  upon  them- 
selves, and  he  restrained  them  not.  Master,  what  did 
he  mean  ? 

Eli  (slowly  and  mournfully):  It  is  the  Lord!  Let 
him  do  what  seemeth  unto  him  good.  (He  raises  his 
arms  to  heaven.) 

Shouts  Outside:     News!   News  for  the  priest! 

Eli:     What  meaneth  the  noise  of  this  tumult? 

(Three  Soldiers  run  in.) 

First  Soldier  :     O  Eli,  servant  of  God,  woe  unto  thee ! 

Second  Soldier:  O  Eli,  be  strong,  and  hear  the  news 
we  bring. 

First  Soldier:  Israel  hath  joined  battle  with  the 
Philistines;  Israel  was  smitten  before  the  Philistines. 

Second  Soldier  :  We  brought  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
to  save  us :  It  was  thy  two  sons,  Hophni  and  Phine- 
has,  who  carried  the  ark. 

Third  Soldier:  And  there  was  a  very  great  slaughter 
— And  thy  two  sons,  Hophni  and  Phinehas — 

First  Soldier        ) 

_  f  The  Lord  hath  slain  them ! 

Second  Soldier     ) 

(Eli  trembles  and  falls  backzvard;  the  First  and  Sec- 
ond Soldiers  support  him.) 

Third  Soldier:  Lo,  ye  have  slain  him  with  your  evil 
tidings. 


72  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Samuel  (runs  to  Eli  lovingly,  and  kneels  before  him, 
embracing  him):  O  my  dear  master!  (A  pause, 
then  he  rises  and  turns  to  the  soldiers.)  Bear  him 
hence  between  you.  (First  and  Second  Soldiers 
lead  him  out.)  (To  Third  Soldier.)  Grieve  not;  ye 
have  not  slain  him,  but  he  is  smitten  of  the  Lord.  For 
the  Lord,  he  came  unto  me  in  a  vision  of  the  night, 
saying,  I  will  smite  the  house  of  Eli  forever,  because 
his  sons  did  bring  a  curse  upon  themselves  and  he  re- 
strained them  not. 

(First  and  Second  Soldiers  return.) 

First  Soldier:  Alas,  alas,  who  now  shall  judge  our 
people  ? 

Third  Soldier  (seises  Samuel  and  raises  him  aloft) : 
Behold  the  judge  who  shall  rule  Israel. 

(The  Soldiers  pass  out,  bearing  Samuel  and  shouting, 
"Huzza!") 

(The  Epilogue  advances.) 

Epilogue:  Hear  ye  the  words  of  the  preacher,  how  he 
said:  Even  a  child  is  known  by  his  doings,  whether 
his  work  be  pure  and  whether  it  be  right.  Bring  up 
a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go,  and  when  he  is  old  he 
will  not  depart  from  it.    (The  Epilogue  passes  out.) 


DAVID 


DAVID    AND    GOLIATH 


(The  Story  of  a  National  Hero  and  a  National 

God.  ) 

THE  PEOPLE 


Saul,  King  of  Israel. 
Two  Attendants,  One  of 
Whom  is  Armor-bearer. 
First  Messenger. 
Second  Messenger. 
The  Princess  Michal. 
Her  Women. 
Prince  Jonathan. 
Challenger  for  Goliath. 
Goliath  of  Gath. 

d  Philistines 


The  Prophet 

Samuel. 

Jesse  the  B 

ethlehemite. 

Eliab, 

> 

Abinadab, 

Shammah, 

NATHANEELj 

y  Jesse's 

Raddai, 

Sons. 

Ozem, 

Elihu, 

David, 

> 

Daughter  of  Jesse. 

LSI 

IAEL1TES  AN 

THE  PLACE 

Act  I.       A  field  near  Jesse's  home  in  Bethlehem. 
Act  II.     A  field  near  the  pavilion  of  Saul. 

(The  same  blue  curtain,  or  out  of  doors,  will  do  for  both 
scenes.) 

74 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  75 

THE  PROPERTIES 

A  horn  of  oil  for  the  Prophet  Samuel. 

A  sword  and  horn  for  Eliab. 

A  platter  of  food  for  Daughter  of  Jesse. 

A  harp,  a  loaf  of  bread,  a  bottle  of  wine,  a  slingshot  for 

David. 
Helmet,  spear  and  shield  for  Armor-bearer. 
Pebbles  for  attendant  to  give  David. 
Sword  and  shield  for  Challenger. 
Horn  and  spear  for  First  Messenger. 
Horn  and  spear  for  Second  Messenger. 
A  crown  of  flowers  for  Michal. 

For  the  head  of  Goliath  take  a  fierce-looking  mask; 
attach  it  to  helmet.  Sew  long  swaggering  locks  of 
hair  on  either  side,  and  a  sweep  of  red  cloth  at  back.  So, 
when  David  removes  mask  from  Goliath's  face,  in 
cutting  off  his  head,  the  red  cloth  will  give  the  whole  a 
solid  appearance. 

If  possible,  have  a  harp  for  the  music. 


DAVID    AND    GOLIATH 

Act  I.    A  field  in  Bethlehem,  near  the  home  of  Jesse. 

{Enter  Eliab,  polishing  his  sword.  He  practices  fight- 
ing an  imaginary  enemy.  Presently  lie  turns  and 
calls. ) 

Eliab: 

Ho,  David,  tend  my  sheep  for  me; 
I  make  me  ready  to  fight  the  Philistines. 
And  see  thou  that  no  lion  enter  in, 
Else  'twill  go  hard  with  thee. 

{The  sounds  of  a  shepherd's  pipe,  or  of  a  harp  arc  heard, 
receding  in  the  distance.  Jesse  enters  and  speaks 
mildly  and  with  remonstrance.) 

Jesse : 

My  son,  this  night  the  first  new  moon  arises  of  the  new 

year; 
My  son,  this  night  we  feast, 
And  make  our  sacrifices  on  God's  altar. 
My   son,   first   he  thou   reconciled   with   thy   brother 
David. 
Eliab  {impatiently) :     I  have  done  him  no  wrong. 

Jesse : 

Thou  and  thy  brothers  are  too  harsh  with  him. 
He  is  a  tender  lad;  be  thou  more  gentle.    {Lays  Jiand 
on  Eliab's  arm.) 
Eliab  {shaking  off  hand) :     He  is  a  babe,  fit  only  to 
tend  sheep. 

76 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  77 

Jesse:     Where  hast  thou  sent  him? 

Eliab  :     To  the  hillside,  away  from  Bethlehem. 

Jesse:     Where  are  thy  brothers? 

Eliab:     They  make  them  ready  to  fight  the  Philistines. 

Jesse:     Who  tendeth  their  sheep? 

Eliab  {sullenly) :     David. 

Jesse  (with  mild  sarcasm) : 

And  if  a  bear  or  a  lion  attack  the  flocks, 

The  little  David  is  alone; 

While  his  brave  brothers  abide  here  in  safety. 

He  perchance  fighteth,  while  they  make  them  ready. 

Eliab  (sneers) : 

Thou  ever  didst  make  much  of  David. 

The  very  name  of  "David"  means  "beloved." 

Jesse : 

Nay,  all  my  sons  are  equal  in  my  love. 
But  David — he  is  indeed  a  gentle  lad.    (He  turns  as 
tJwugli  to  go  out.    Left.) 

(The  Prophet  Samuel  enters  slowly  from  the  right.) 

Eliab: 

My  father,  who  comes  there  ? 

Nay,  there,  through  the  budding  barley? 

The  old  man  with  so  lofty  a  bearing? 

Jesse : 

Mine  eyes  are  dim.    (He  sliades  them  and  peers  out. 

Suddenly  he  speaks.) 
My  son,  it  is  the  prophet  Samuel. 
What  can  his  coming  bode  of  good  or  evil  ? 
Haste,  haste,  my  son. 


78  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

{They  advance  to  meet  the  prophet,  bowing  low.) 
Jesse : 

0  Samuel,  O  mouthpiece  of  the  Lord, 
Comest  thou  in  peace  to  Bethlehem? 

Samuel:     In  peace! 

Jesse:     Make  us  to  know  thy  will. 

Samuel:     Thou  art  Jesse,  the  Bethlehemite? 

Jesse:     Thou  hast  said  it. 

Samuel: 

1  am  the  mouthpiece  of  the  most  high  God. 
For  the  Lord  spake  unto  me,  saying: 
Mourn  not  over  King  Saul ; 

For  I  repent  me  that  I  made  Saul  king  over  Israel. 

Fill  thine  horn  with  oil  and  go ; 

I  will  send  thee  to  Jesse  the  Bethlehemite: 

For  I  have  provided  me  a  king  among  his  sons. 

Jesse:     A  king! 

Eliab:     A  king!! 

Jesse: 

Eliab,  wind  thy  horn  and  call  thy  brothers ; 
And  bid  thy  sister  bring  both  meat  and  wine 
To  set  before  our  guest. 

(Eliab  runs  out  to  the  left,  winding  his  horn.  He  passes 
several  of  his  brothers  zvJw  are  entering,  and  points 
out  the  prophet.  Jesse  motions  Samuel  to  a  seat  in 
the  center.  Samuel  sits.  The  Daughter  of  Jesse 
enters  with  food  and  drink,  which  Samuel  rejects.) 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  79 

Samuel: 

And  now  make  thou  thy  sons  to  pass  before  me, 
That  I  may  choose. 

(Eliab  enters  with  other  brothers.  Abinadab  slips  be- 
side his  sister  and  eats  the  food.  The  Daughter 
stands  beside  her  father,  at  right  of  Samuel.) 

Jesse : 

My  sons,  pass  ye  in  order  of  your  years, 
Before  this  man  of  God. 

(Eliab  advances  and  kneels.  Samuel  rises  and  regards 
him  uncertainly.) 

Samuel:     Surely  the  Lord's  anointed  is  before  me. 

Eliab  (triumphantly) :  Ah,  father,  art  so  ready  now 
to  chide  me? 

Samuel:  Nay,  pause,  my  son,  for  the  Lord  hath  said 
unto  me: 

Look  not  on  a  man's  countenance, 
Nor  the  height  of  his  stature; 
For  the  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth. 
For  man  looketh  on  the  outward  appearance, 
But  the  Lord  looketh  on  the  heart. 
Thy  heart  is  proud,  and  thou  shalt  not  be  king. 

(Eliab  passes  with  hanging  head  to  tJie  rigJit.  Abina- 
dab advances.) 

Abinadab  :     And  I,  sir,  look  on  me. 

Samuel: 

The  Lord  rejects  thee, 

For  thou  art  a  wine-bibber  and  a  glutton. 


8o  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(Abinadab  swaggers  defiantly  over  to  Eliab,  who  grins 
at  hi  in.    Shammah  bows  low  and  speaks  slyly.) 

Shammah: 

Sir,  if  thou  crown  me  king, 

I'll  make  thee  rich  in  the  spoils  of  the  Philistines. 

Samuel  (briefly):  The  Lord  rejects  thee  for  a  thief 
and  robber. 

(Shammah  shrugs  and  joins  others.  Nathaneel  ad- 
van  ecs.) 

Nathaneel  : 

Make  me  king',  sir, 

And  I  will  drive  out  the  Philistines, 

And  all  men  shall  bow  down  to  the  God  of  Israel. 

Samuel: 

The  Lord  rejects  thee,  for  thou  boasteth  thyself, 
And  sayest  thou  canst  do  much, 
When  thou  canst  do  little. 

(Nathaneel  passes  angrily  to  right.  Raddai  ad- 
vances. ) 

Raddai  (cunningly) : 

Thou  wilt  anoint  me,  Samuel; 

For  lo,  the  Lord  came  unto  me  in  the  night  watches. 

Saying,  Awake,  awake,  thou  shalt  be  king  of  Israel. 

(The  brothers  stare  angrily  at  him.) 

Samuel:     The  Lord  rejects  thee,  for  thou  art  a  liar. 

(The  brothers  doable  up  with  mirth.  Raddai  joins 
them,  shaking  his  fist  at  Samuel.  Ozem  advances 
and  bows  meekly.) 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  81 

Ozem  : 

For  me,  I  would  not  be  the  king  in  Israel, 
Except  the  Lord  command. 

Samuel  (praying):     Lord,  give  me  light!     (Then  he 
motions  Ozem  away.)     Thou  art  not  the  chosen  one. 

(Ozem  joins  others.     Elihu  advanecs  triumphantly.) 

Eliiiu: 

0  mouthpiece  of  the  most  high  God,  behold  me! 

1  am  the  last. 

Anoint  me,  and  let  the  oil  run  down  to  the  hem  of  my 

garment ! 
Anoint  me,  for  I  shall  be  a  mighty  king  over  Israel. 

Daughter  of  Jesse  (starting  forward) : 

O  brother,  thou  hast  forgotten  little  David.    ( Turns  to 

Samuel.) 
O  sir,  if  thou  despiseth  these,  my  brothers, 
O  let  me  show  thee  David.   'Tis  the  youngest, 
And  the  best  loved  by  me. 

(The  brothers  surge  forward  angrily.) 

Eliab  and  Others:     No,  no!     He  is  a  babe — a  child 
— a — 

Samuel  (ivavcs  them  back  and  turns  to  Jesse)  : 
Are  all  thy  children  here? 
Or  hast  thou  another  son? 

Jesse : 

There  remaineth  yet  the  youngest; 

And  behold,  he  keepeth  the  sheep. 

He  is  my  dear-beloved. 

His  years  are  yet  too  tender  to  rule  Israel, 


82  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Daughter  of  Jesse  :     O  let  me  go  and  bring  him ! 

Samuel: 

Send  and  fetch  him ; 

For  we  will  not  sit  down  till  he  come  hither. 

(The  Daughter  of  Jesse  starts  running  out  toward 
left.) 

Jesse:     Nay,  daughter,  blow  the  horn  till  he  appear. 
(She  blows  horn.) 

Samuel: 

Speak  not  of  his  tender  years; 

For  the  Lord  knoweth  the  times  and  the  seasons. 

(She  blozvs  horn.) 

Neither  will  he  cause  the  flower  to  blow  on  the-  seed- 
ling; 
Nor  the  fruit  on  the  sapling; 
Nor  an  old  head  on  young  shoulders. 

(She  blows  horn.) 

(There  is  a  pause  while  all  listen;  then  she  blozvs  again.) 

Daughter  of  Jesse  :     He  cometh,  for  I  hear  his  harp  in 
the  distance. 

(The  song  is  heard,  beginning  faintly,   but  growing 
stronger.    David  enters  on  the  last  tivo  lines.) 

Song:  "The  Lord  is  My  Shepherd,"  Music  by  S.  Liddle. 
The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall  not  want. 
He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures : 
He  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters. 
He  restoreth  my  soul; 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  83 

He  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  for  his 

name's  sake. 
The  Lord  is  my  shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want. 

Samuel  (advancing  to  meet  Jiini) : 
O  sweet  singer  of  Israel, 

The  Lord  commandeth  me,  Arise,  anoint  him ;  for  this 
is  he. 

(He  raises  his  horn  of  oil.     David  kneels.     Samuel 
pours  oil  upon  him.) 

For  the  Lord  shall  judge  the  ends  of  the  earth: 
And  he  shall  give  strength  unto  his  king, 
And  exalt  the  horn  of  his  anointed. 

Daughter  of  Jesse  (embracing  David)  :     O  David,  I 
am  glad. 

Jesse:     Come  now  to  the  feast. 

(All  pass  out  but  David  and  his  sister.    She  waits  for 
him  as  lie  stands  in  prayer.) 

David: 

0  God,  thou  hast  anointed  me  with  the  oil  of  gladness, 
Above  my  fellows. 

1  will  sing  a  song  unto  thee,  O  God; 

Upon  a  psaltery  of  ten  strings  will  I  sing  praises  unto 
thee. 

(He  takes  his  harp  and  sings.) 

Song:  Music,  Continuation  of  Psalm. 

Thou  prepares!  a  table  before  me  in  the  presence  of 

mine  enemies; 
Thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil ;  my  cup  runneth  over. 


84  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Surely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow  me  all  the  days 

of  my  life, 
And  I  shall  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  forever. 
The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall  not  want. 

(He  passes  slowly  out  while  singing  the  last  lines  fol- 
lowed by  his  sister.) 

Act  II 

(Saul's  pavilion  in  the  Israelite  encampment.  The  scene 
takes  place  just  outside  the  pavilion,  where  may  be 
placed  a  couch  for  the  king.  To  the  right  is  the  army 
of  Israel;  to  the  left,  the  army  of  the  Philistines,  and 
the  road  to  Bethlehem.  Sound  of  trumpets  to  the  left. 

(King  Saul's  Attendants  run  in,  from  right,  shading 
their  eyes  and  peering  into  distance.  Soldiers  fol- 
lozv. ) 

Attendant  (cries):  King  Saul!  Go  summon  the 
king;  the  king  must  know. 

(An  Attendant  runs  back.) 

(Shouting  from  the  left.  A  Messenger  runs  in  blowing 
his  horn.) 

Messenger:  News  for  King  Saul!  Where  is  the 
king?     The  king? 

(Trumpets  on  the  right.  Enter  King  Saul  and  his  Ar- 
mor-bearer. The  Messenger  rushes  to  him  and 
kneels.) 

Messenger: 

O  my  lord,  I  bear  news: 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  85 

The  Philistines  with  their  thousands  approach; 

They  gather  themselves  together, 

And  there  is  none  to  withstand  them. 
Saul: 

Cursed  be  the  day  I  was  born, 

Or  ever  the  Lord  anointed  me  king  over  Israel ! 

For  a  sickness  is  fallen  upon  me, 

And  I  know  not  where  to  look  for  help.    (He  advances 
to  coucJi  and  rests.) 
Attendant  : 

Behold  now,  an  evil  spirit  from  God  troubleth  thee. 

Let  my  lord  now  command  his  servant  to  seek  out  a 

man  who  is  a  cunning  player  on  the  harp,  and  it 

shall  come  to  pass  when  the  evil  spirit  is  upon  thee, 

that  he  shall  play  and  sing,  and  thou  shalt  be  well. 

Saul: 

Do  so. 

For  I  would  hear  of  peace,  and  not  of  war. 
Attendant: 

Behold,  I  have  seen  a  son  of  Jesse,  David,  a  shepherd 
lad,  that  is  cunning  in  playing. 

He  is  called  "The  sweet  singer  in  Israel." 
Saul: 

Take  thou  this  word  to  Jesse.     Say  to  him: 

"Send  me  David,  thy  son,  who  is  with  the  sheep." 
Attendant:     Lord,  I  obey.    (He  bows  and  goes.) 
Messenger: 

O  king,  there  be  three  young  men,  sons  of  Jesse, 

Who  came  but  now  to  serve  'gainst  the  Philistines 
Saul:     Go,  bring  them  hither 


&• 


86  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(The  Messenger  goes  out,  left.   At  the  same  moment 

there  is  a  loud  shouting  from  the  left,  and  the  Second 

Messenger  runs  in.) 
Second  Messenger:     News!    News  for  the  king! 
Saul:     Hither,  man!     Speak! 
Second  Messenger: 

O  king,  I  bear  evil  tidings: 

For  every  thousand  Israelites, 

There  are  ten  thousand  Philistines. 

And  there  is  none  to  withstand  them. 
Saul  :     Go  ye  and  summon  the  warriors  of  Israel. 
(Second  Messenger  goes  out  to  riglit.    Gradually  the 

Soldiers  of  Israel  enter  and  group  at  back.    The 

First  Messenger  reenters  with  the  three  elder  Sons 

of  Jesse.) 

First  Messenger:     Here  are  the  sons  of  Jesse,  lord. 

Saul: 

Come  nearer,  men.    (They  stand  before  him.) 
And  are  ye  sons  of  Jesse  the  Bethlehemite? 

Eliab:     Yea,  O  lord  king! 

Saul  : 

Is  one  among  you  called  by  the  name  of  "David," 
Or  "The  sweet  singer  in  Israel"? 

Eliab  : 

Nay,  lord  king, 

For  we  be  men  and  warriors; 

But  David  is  a  little  shepherd  lad. 

Saul:     But   shepherd   lads   must   needs   defend   their 
flocks. 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  87 

(The  Attendant  enters  with  David.) 

Saul:     How  now,  returned  so  soon? 

Attendant  : 
I  met  him,  lord. 

He  came  but  now  to  see  his  brothers  there.    (Nods 
toward  them.) 

Eliab  (angrily) : 

What  do  you  here  ? 

And  why  art  thou  come  down? 

And  with  whom  hast  thou  left  those  few  sheep  in  the 
wilderness  ? 

I  know  thy  pride  and  the  naughtiness  of  thine  heart; 

Thou  art  come  down  that  thou  mightest  see  the  battle. 
David: 

My  father  bade  me  seek  thee  with  this  loaf, 

And  flask  of  wine.   (Offers  them.  Eliab  turns  angrily 
away,  but  Abinadab  accepts  and  cats.) 
Saul: 

Peace,  men ! 

And  art  thou  he  that's  called  "The  sweet  singer  in 
Israel"  ? 

David:     My  lord,  I— I— 

Saul:     Be  not  ashamed,  but  sing  thou  sweetly  to  me. 

David:     What  shall  I  sing? 

Saul:     Of  peace  and  pleasantness  and  quiet  ways.   (Re- 
clines on  couch.) 

David  (sings  as  before) : 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall  not  want. 


88  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures; 

He  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters. 

He  restoreth  my  soul: 

He  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness,  for  his 

name's  sake. 
The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall  not  want. 

Saul  (to  attendant) : 

Go,  bid  the  Princess  Michal  bring  a  crown 

To  crown  his  brow. 

For  he  is  the  sweet  singer  of  Israel.     (Attendant 

goes  out.) 
Sing  yet  again. 

David  (sings  continuation  of  psalm) : 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of 

death, 
I  will  fear  no  evil, 
For  thou  art  with  me: 
Thy  rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me. 

(The  Attendant  enters  from  right  and  is  followed  by 
the  Princess  Michal  and  her  slave  girls  bearing 
fans.) 

Attendant   (announces) :     The  Princess  Michal! 

Saul: 

Come  thou,  Michal,  here, 

And  crown  the  sweetest  singer  in  all  Israel. 

Michal  (bowing): 

My  father,  as  thou  biddest!    (She  turns  to  David.) 

Sir,  I  crown  thee, 

The  sweetest  singer  in  all  Israel.     (Crowns  him.) 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  89 

{Loud  shouting  to  the  left.     Prince  Jonathan  enters 

running.) 
Jonathan : 

Where  is  my  father?    O  my  father,  hear: 

The  army  of  the  Philistines  is  at  hand. 

And  thy  people  fear,  O  father. 

For  lo,  one  of  the  Philistines, 

A  champion  among"  them, 

And  a  giant  for  strength, 

He  sendeth  a  challenge  to  the  people  of  Israel. 
Saul:     Admit  the  challenger. 
(Enter  from  the  left  the  Challenger  of  Goliath  of 

Gath.  He  surveys  the  people  sneeringly.) 
Challenger: 

Give  ear,  O  ye  Israelites, 

Hear  the  words  of  Goliath  of  Gath: 

"Choose  ye  a  man  for  your  champion 

And  let  him  come  down  to  me. 

If  he  be  able  to  fight  with  me  and  kill  me, 

Then  will  we  be  your  servants; 

But  if  I  prevail  against  him, 

Then  shall  ye  be  our  servants  and  serve  us. 

I  defy  the  armies  of  Israel  this  day." 
(The  Israelites  sway  forward  murmuring:    Ho!    In- 
deed!    Swaggerer!) 
Saul:     We  will   consider.     Go!      (The  Challenger 

goes.) 
Jonathan: 

This  challenge  hath  been  cried  before  the  army, 

And  none  is  found  who  dare  hope  for  the  victory. 


90  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Saul: 

Perchance  a  champion  for  Israel  is  here.    (Beckons.) 

Ho,  sons  of  Jesse,  ye  are  come  to  fight ; 

Ye  are  big  men. 

Which  one  of  yon  will  fight  'gainst  this  Philistine? 

(There  is  a  pause:  all  look  on  ground.) 

Unto  the  champion  who  kills  Goliath, 

The  king  will  give  great  riches. 

And  to  that  man  the  king  will  give  his  daughter. 

(There  is  another  pause.) 
Eliab   (uncertainly) : 

I  fear,  lord  king, 

For  if  I  fail,  then  Israel  is  doomed  to  servitude. 
Abinadab  :     I  am  not  strong. 
Shammah:     I  am  not  yet  full-grown. 
•David  (steps  forth): 

Let  no  man's  heart  fail  because  of  him. 

Thy  servant  will  go  and  fight  with  the  Philistine. 

(Laughter  and  derision  from  his  brothers.  Smiles  from 
others.) 

Saul:     Thou  art  but  a  youth,  and  he  a  man  of  war. 

David:     Thy  servant  kept  his  father's  flocks,  and  when 

there  came  a  lion  or  a  bear  and  took  a  lamb  out  of  the 

flock,  I  went  down  after  it  and  killed  it. 
Eliab:     O  foolish  one! 
Abinadab:     Back  to  thy  sheep! 
Shammati:     Thou  braggart ! 
David: 

The  Lord  delivered  me  out  of  the  paw  of  the  lion, 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  91 

And  out  of  the  paw  of  the  bear ; 
He  will  deliver  me  out  of  the  hand  of  the  Philistine. 
Saul: 

Go,  and  the  Lord  be  with  thee. 

And  take  my  armor  and  my  sword  and  shield. 

(The  Armor-bearer  advances  and  offers  weapons.) 
David: 

I  have  not  proved  them. 

But  give  me  rather  five  smooth  stones  from  the  brook  ; 

Thus  will  I  fight. 

Saul:     Go,  bid  the  champion  of  the  Philistines  come. 

(The  First  Messenger  goes  out  left.    Michal  goes  to 
David.) 

Michal: 
O  shepherd, 
O  sweet  psalmist  of  Israel, 

0  do  not  let  the  giant  get  too  near ! 

Be  careful,  David.    Jonathan,  go  with  him. 
And  come  back  safe  to  Michal.     God  go  with  thee. 
(She  goes  out.) 

(David  stands  as  though  in  prayer,  while  everyone  sings 

very  softly  the  following  lines:) 
.  Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death, 

1  will  fear  no  evil, 
For  thou  art  with  me : 

Thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort  me. 

(Or,  merely  the  music  may  be  played.) 
(The  Attendant  brings  stones  to  David.) 


92  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(Enter   the   Challenger   for    Goliath    followed   by 
Philistines.) 

Challenger: 

Tremble,  O  people  of  Israel, 

For  Goliath  cometh. 

And  the  champion  of  Israel  will  fall  down  before  him 

As  barley  before  the  sickle. 

Tremble,  O  Israelites! 

Have  ye  a  champion  ? 

Have  ye  a  man  to  stand  before  him  ? 

(David  stands  forth.) 

Challenger:     Ha,  ha,  ha!     Is  Goliath  a  babe,  that 
thou  sendest  forth  an  infant  against  him? 

David: 

He  cometh  against  me  with  a  sword  and  spear; 
But  I  come  against  him  in  the  name  of  the  God  of  the 

armies  of  Israel, 
Whom  he  hath  defied. 
Come  forth,  Goliath,  for  thou  diest  this  day. 

Eliab  (to  David)  :     O  lad,  I  fear  for  thee;  I'll  take  thy 
place. 

David  : 

Be  not  afraid. 

Though  I  be  little,  I've  the  strength  of  ten. 

Israelites  : 

Huzzah !    Huzzah ! 

Though  he  be  little,  he's  the  strength  of  ten. 

David  (cries):     Come  forth,  Goliath! 

(Goliath,  a  heavy  man,  enters  like  a  lion  loosed  from 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH 


93 


THE  CHALLENGER  EOR  GOLIATH 


94  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

his  cage.  He  brandisJies  his  sword,  and  attacks 
David.  David  dodges  and  flees;  Goliath  follows  him, 
hacking  the  air  zvith  his  sword.  Again  David  dodges 
and  runs  to  a  sufficient  distance  to  use  his  sling. 
Goliath  crashes  to  earth.  David  runs  and  stands 
over  him,  seizes  Goliath's  sword  and  cuts  off  his 
head. ) 

{The  Challenger  and  other  Philistines  flee,  crying, 

"Woe!   Woe!") 
Israelites  :     Huzzah !   Huzzah !   Huzzah ! 

David  (holding  up  Goliath's  head)  : 
Give  ear,  O  ye  people, 
O  ye  Israelites,  and  O  ye  Philistines: 
For  so  shall  all  they  triumph 
Who  put  their  trust  in  the  Lord! 

Israelites  (sJiout) : 

For  so  shall  all  they  triumph 

Who  put  their  trust  in  the  Lord ! 
First    Messenger    with    wild    enthusiasm):      Where 

now  are  the  Philistines? 
Israelites:     They  are  fled. 

Saul:     Proclaim  through  Israel  the  mighty  tidings. 
(The  Second  Messenger  takes  Goliath's  head  from 

David,  and  repeats  the  tidings  three  times,  standing 

at  center,  at  right  and  at  left  of  stage.  While  he  speaks 

the  Soldiers  remove  Goliath.) 
Second  Messenger  (blozving  horn): 

Give  ear,  O  ye  people: 

Slain  is  Goliath  of  Gath  by  the  shepherd,  David. 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH 


95 


And  so  shall  all  they  triumph 
Who  put  their  trust  in  the  Lord. 

Jonathan  (goes  affectionately  to  David)  : 
O  David,  thou  who  art  to  me  as  a  brother, 
I,  Jonathan,  prince  of  Israel,  ask  thy  friendship. 
Take  thou  my  robe  in  token  of  my  love. 

David: 

O  Jonathan,  I  am  but  a  shepherd  of  the  sheep, 

But  I  return  thy  love.    {They  exchange  shepherd  skin 

and  velvet.) 

(Enter  Michal  and  her  dancing  women,  with  cymbals. 
They  chant  as  they  dance.) 

Chant  : 


4=J=J= 


d=q=p 


■&- 


-=»-r 


-h — h 


It 


-•—  -z* 


1 u- 

Saul  hath  slain  his  thous-ands,    hutDav-id  his  tens    of  thous-ands. 


1 


3=1=q: 


$¥3-i 


=t 


j*-#. 


h- — y— y- 


*    :3- 


PI 


Saul  hath  slain  his  thous-ands,    but  Da  -  vid  his  tens    of   thous-ands. 


Saul  hath  slain  his  thous-ands,  but  Da -vid  his  tens    of  thous-ands. 


(Repeat  three  times  in  three  different  keys.) 

Saul  (angrily) : 
Peace,  women ! 

Ye  ascribe  unto  David  ten  thousands, 
And  to  me  ye  ascribe  but  thousands. 
What  more  can  he  have  but  the  kingdom  ? 


96  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Michal  (runs  and  kneels  before  him)  :     O  my  father, 
be  not  wroth  at  my  song. 

Saul  (ivcarily) : 

I  have  sworn  thee  to  the  man  who  slew  Goliath ; 
And  that  which  the  king  sweareth  will  he  do. 
David,  I  give  thee  Michal  for  thy  wife.    (He  turns 
away. ) 

David:     The  king's  daughter  within  the  palace  is  all- 
glorious. 

Michal  (smiling  upon  hint  and  extending  tier  hand): 
O  David ! 

But  see,  my  father  is  wroth  at  my  song. 
Come  and  sing  thou  to  him. 
And  so  shall  he  forget  the  mighty  warrior, 
In  listening  to  the  sweetest  singer  in  all  Israel. 

(She  runs  to  Saul,  ivJio  is  reclining  on  conch.) 
Father,  would'st  hear  again  the  shepherd's  psalm? 

Saul  (heavily) : 

Yea,  for  I  have  a  sickness,  daughter ; 
And  the  song  is  verily  one  of  delight. 

(Michal  leans  beside  Saul  as  David  sings.) 

David  (sings) : 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd:    I  shall  not  want. 

He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pastures; 

He  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters. 

He  restoreth  my  soul : 

He  leadeth  me  in  the  paths  of  righteousness  for  his 

name's  sake. 
The  Lord  is  my  shepherd:    I  shall  not  want. 


DAVID  AND  GOLIATH  97 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 

of  death, 
I  will  fear  no  evil, 
For  thou  art  with  me : 
Thy  rod  and  thy  staff,  they  comfort  me. 
Thou  preparest  a  table  before  me  in  the  presence  of 

mine  enemies : 
Thou  anointest  my  head  with  oil : 
My  cup  runneth  over — 

Saul  (rises  threateningly) : 
What  sayest  thou  ? 
Who  hath  anointed  thy  head  with  oil? 

David: 

O  king,  the  prophet  Samuel,  sent  of  God! 
O  king,  one  day  I  shall  be  king  of  Israel. 

(Saul's  head  sinks  on  his  breast.  He  passes  slowly  out, 
followed  by  his  Attendants.) 

David  (sings) : 

Surely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow  me 
All  the  days  of  my  life ; 

And  I  shall  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  forever. 
The  Lord  is  my  shepherd;  I  shall  not  want. 

(All  turn  to  go,  singing)  : 
Surely  goodness  and  mercy  shall  follow  me 
All  the  days  of  my  life. 

And  I  shall  dwell  in  the  house  of  the  Lord  forever. 
The  Lord  is  my  shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want. 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON 


THE    JUDGMENT    OF    SOLOMON 

(Longer  Version) 

THE  PEOPLE 

A  Wicked  Judge.  King  Solomon. 

First  Woman.  Page. 

Second  Woman.  First  Soldier. 

The  Baby.  (A  real  Baby.)  Second  Soldier. 

Dancing  Children.  A  Boy. 

THE  PLACE 

Gibeon,  where  Solomon  comes  to  offer  sacrifice. 

A  judgment  seat  is  raised  two  steps  above  the  floor,  a 
little  to  the  left  of  the  room.  From  each  side  of  the 
judgment  seat  extend  walls,  three  or  four  feet  high,  to 
the  front  corners  of  the  room.  These  walls  may  be 
black  or  white  or  yellow  or  terracotta  cloth,  stretched. 
Against  the  walls  paste  or  pin  or  paint  some  bold  design, 
such  as  diamonds,  in  a  contrasting  color,  white  against 
black;  deep  sea-blue  against  terracotta.  Or  use  the 
conventional  lotus  design.  For  the  background  use  a 
deep  sea-blue  curtain  and  throw  a  blue  light  upon  it. 

THE  PROPERTIES 

Several  gold  pieces.  A  trumpet. 

Palms  for  children  to  carry  in  dance.      Two  spears. 
A  silver  basket  piled  high  with  oranges.  A  large  sword. 
Rolls  of  parchment  for  the  Judge. 

99 


THE    JUDGMENT    OF    SOLOMON 

(The  Wicked  Judge  is  seated  on  the  High  Place,  judg- 
ing the  two  women.  The  First  Woman,  at  his  right, 
holds  the  Baby.  The  Second  Woman  kneels  at  his 
left,  with  imploring  gestures.) 

Wicked  Judge  (with  a  sweep  of  his  hand) :  No  more ! 
No  more,  I  say!  I  will  hear  no  more.  Am  I  not 
judge  in  the  king,  his  place?  (Points  at  First 
Woman  sternly. )  You  say  yonder  woman's  child  died 
in  the  night-time,  and  she  wants  yours.  (Points  at 
Second  Woman.)  You  say — stop  sniveling — 
(Second  Woman  shrinks  away  from  him.)  You  say 
'twas  her  child  died  and  that  she  hath  stolen  your 
child.  /  say,  if  you  had  minded  your  brats  properly, 
there  would  not  be  this  to-do.  (A  pause.)  What 
were  you  doing  when  one  of  you  stole  the  other's 
child?     Gadding  about  the  streets?     Eh? 

Second  Woman  :     O  sir,  sir,  she  stole  him  while  I  slept. 

First  Woman  :     Most  gracious  Judge,  I  did  not  steal. 

Second  Woman   {turning  on  her):     But  thou  did'st! 

Wicked  Judge:  O  you  women!  Lo,  all  the  troubles 
of  this  kingdom  flow  from  this,  that  women  do  not 
properly  observe  the  affairs  of  their  households.  As 
King  Solomon  remarks,  with  rather  more  wisdom 
than  he  usually  manifests,  "Who  can  find  a  virtuous 
woman?" 

Both  Women  (together) :  Sir  !  Most  gracious  Judge! 
Only  hear  me — 

IOQ 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON  101 

Wicked  Judge  (crashing  his  fist  down):  Silence! 
Silence!!  (To  Second  Woman.)  Where  are  your 
witnesses  ? 

(Second  Woman  makes  an  imploring  and  hopeless  ges- 
ture.) 

Wicked  Judge  (fiercely) :  What?  No  witnesses?  Be 
off!  Be  off,  I  say.  (He  waves  both  women  away; 
then  his  voice  changes.)  Stay,  wait — I  had  forgot. 
I  must — er — consider  the  welfare  of  the  infant.  ( To 
Second  Woman.)  It  may  be  thou  wouldest  be  the 
better  guardian.  Hast  thou  the  means  to  feed  and 
clothe  the  child,  and — er — pay  all  needful  fees? 

Second  Woman  :     I  am  poor,  but,  sir,  I  am  the  mother. 

Wicked  Judge:  Pshaw!  Pshaw!  (Turns  to  First 
Woman.)     And  thou? 

First  Woman  (producing  gold  pieces) :  I  have  these 
bits  of  gold.  (Her  voice  takes  a  mocking  inflection.) 
Most  gracious  Judge,  it  may  be  thou,  of  thy  great 
kindliness,  wilt  guard  the  gold  for  me,  for  I,  alas,  am 
but  a  weakling  woman,  and  my  child  needs  all  my 
care. 

Wicked  Judge  (pocketing  gold) :  Ah,  yea,  yea,  thou 
art  indeed  the  rightful  mother.  (Raises  liis  exes  to 
heaven.)  More  is  a  child  to  be  desired  than  gold,  yea, 
than  much  fine  gold.  I  will  indeed  look  after  thy  gold 
for  thee.  Now  get  ye  gone.  ( Turns  crossly  to  Sec- 
ond Woman.)  And  count  thyself  lucky  that  I  do 
not  call  the  guard,  and  have  thee  cast  into  prison  for 
bearing  lying  witness. 

(A  Boy  rushes  in,  shouting  as  he  runs.) 


102  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Boy  :  Ohe !  Ohe !  King  Solomon,  he  entereth  now  the 
city.  He  cometh  here  to  offer  sacrifice;  the  children 
dance  before  him.     Ohe!     Ohe!     (He  runs  out.) 

Wicked  Judge  {gathers  up  his  rolls  of  parchment, 
shrugging) :  I  will  not  bow  before  him,  I!  And  he 
but  a  beardless  youth!     (Passes  out.) 

(The  Second  Woman  crouches  low,  weeping  and  pray- 
ing; First  Woman  regards  her.) 

First  Woman  (laughing):  Pray,  aye,  pray!  The 
child  will  call  me  "Mother."  He  will  throw  his  little 
arms  about  my  neck  and  hail  me.  For  three  pieces  of 
ruddy  gold  have  I  bought  him,  and  thy  prayers  shall 
never  win  him  from  me. 

Second  Woman  (fiercely):  As  there  is  a  God  in  Is- 
rael, to  whom  men  pray,  I  yet  shall  have  my  child. 

First  Woman:  A  God  in  Israel?  (Shrugs.)  As 
there  is  god-head  in  gold,  which  men  worship,  lo,  I 
shall  keep  thy  child.  (She  makes  a  sweeping  bozv  and 
passes  out.) 

Second  Woman  :  O  God,  God,  give  me  my  child,  my 
son.  Thou  knowest  the  child  is  mine,  thou  knowest, 
thou  knowest.  Thou  sawest  when  in  the  dark  of  the 
night-time  she  crept  into  my  chamber  and  stole  him 
from  me.     She  cradleth  him,  and  I  am  desolate. 

Shouts  Without:  King  Solomon!  King  Solomon, 
all  hail !    Hail  to  King  Solomon,  the  son  of  David ! 

(The  Second  Woman  looks  about  wildly,  then  crouches 
in  a  dim  comer.    The  Children  enter  dancing;  they 
carry  palms;  they  sing.) 
Song:    "Hail  to  the  Monarch"  (Cantata  of  Esther) 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON         103 


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{Enter  King  Solomon,  followed  by  two  Soldiers  a/*d 
Page.) 

Solomon  (raising  his  hand  in  blessing) :  My  children, 
I  thank  you  for  your  love.  Now  get  ye  gone,  for  I 
would  offer  sacrifice  alone. 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON         105 

First  Child:  But  we  have  learned  a  psalm  of  David 
thy  father,  to  do  thee  reverence ;  may  we  not  say  it  ? 

First  Soldier  :     Do  ye  not  hear  the  king?     ( Threatens 

them.) 

Solomon:  Nay,  let  the  little  ones  come  hither.  The 
psalms  of  David,  my  father,  are  dear  unto  me.  Now, 
babes,  speak  up. 

Second  Child  {to  First)  :     Do  thou  begin. 

First  Child: 

Blessed  is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of 

the  ungodly, 
Nor  standeth  in  the  way  of  sinners, 
Nor  sitteth  in  the  seat  of  the  scornful; 

Second  Child: 

But  his  delight  is  in  the  law  of  the  Lord, 
And  in  his  law  doth  he  meditate  day  and  night. 

Third  Child: 

And  he  shall  be  like  a  tree,  planted  by  rivers  of  water, 
That  bringeth  forth  his  fruit  in  due  season; 

Fourth  Child: 

His  leaf  also  shall  not  wither; 

And  whatsoever  he  doeth,  it  shall  prosper. 

Fifth  Cliild: 

The  ungodly  are  not  so, 

But  are  like  the  chaff  which  the  wind  driveth  away. 

All  the  Children: 

Therefore  the  ungodly  shall  not  stand  in  the  judgment, 
Nor  sinners  in  the  congregation  of  the  righteous; 


106  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

For  the  Lord  knoweth  the  way  of  the  righteous: 
But  the  way  of  the  ungodly  shall  perish. 

Solomon:  I  thank  you.  (He  turns  to  Sixth  Child.) 
And  why  hast  thou  not  spoken  with  the  others  ? 

(Tlic  Sixth  Child  readies  a  tiptoe  and  whispers  in  his 
ear.) 

Solomon:  Thou  hast  learned  something  more;  then 
speak,  little  one. 

Sixth  Child: 

O  king,  a  word  fitly  spoken, 

Is  like  apples  of  gold  in  baskets  of  silver. 

And  the  king  that  faithfully  judgeth  the  poor, 

His  throne  shall  be  established  forever.    (She  presents 

basket  of  oranges.) 

Solomon  (in  great  delight) :  Ha,  whose  words  are 
those  ? 

Sixth  Child  (with  a  demure  courtesy) :  Your  Maj- 
esty's ! 

Solomon:  Well  done!  Well  spoken!  I  shall  strive 
indeed  to  be  a  king  whose  judgments  shall  be  like  ap- 
ples of  gold  in  baskets  of  silver. 

Sixth  Child  (to  others) :     Come  now;  the  king  would 

be  alone. 
Solomon  :     The  Lord  be  with  you ! 
Children:     And  with  thee  also,  O  thou  son  of  David! 

(They  courtesy  and  go.) 
Solomon  (ascends  to  High  Place  and  prays) :     O  Lord 

God  of  my  fathers,  thou  hast  showed  unto  my  father, 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON         107 

David,  great  mercy  according  as  he  walked  before 
thee  in  uprightness  of  heart;  and  thou  hast  kept  for 
him  this  great  kindness,  that  thou  hast  given  him  a  son 
to  sit  on  his  throne,  as  it  is  this  day.  And  now,  O  Lord 
my  God,  thou  hast  made  thy  servant  king  instead  of 
David  my  father ;  and  I  am  but  a  little  child.  I  know 
not  how  to  go  out  nor  come  in.  Give  therefore  thy 
servant  an  understanding  heart  to  judge  thy  people, 
that  I  may  discern  between  good  and  bad.  For  who 
is  able  to  judge  this  thy  so  great  a  people? 

{There  is  a  pause  during  which  the  Second  Woman 
rises  slozvly  and  approaches  Solomon.  She  kisses  the 
hem  of  his  robe.  He  turns  and  regards  her  with  aston- 
ishment.   She  rises  and  speaks  prophetically.) 

Second  Woman  :  O  king,  because  thou  hast  asked  this 
thing,  and  hast  not  asked  for  thyself  long  life ;  neither 
hast  thou  asked  riches  for  thyself,  nor  hast  asked  the 
life  of  thine  enemies,  but  hast  asked  understanding  to 
discern  judgment,  behold,  God  will  give  unto  thee  a 
wise  and  understanding  heart ;  so  that  there  was  none 
like  thee  before  thee ;  neither  after  thee  shall  any  arise 
like  unto  thee. 

Solomon:  Who  art  thou?  for  it  was  thus  I  heard 
the  words  of  God  speaking  to  my  heart !  Who  art 
thou? 

Second  Woman  {prostrating  herself) :  The  least  of 
thy  servants !     A  grain  of  dust  by  the  roadside ! 

Solomon:  Why  art  thou  come  here  to  the  Hall  of 
Judgment  ? 


io8  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Second  Woman:  I  came  hither  for  justice;  but  thy 
judge  in  Gibeon  is  as  the  chaff  which  the  wind  beareth 
away — 

Solomon  (sternly) :  Beware  how  thou  speak  evil  of 
them  in  authority.  (Then  he  smiles.)  I  gather  that 
the  case  went  against  thee.  What  hast  thou  lost? 
Fear  not ;  I  will  requite  thee.     (He  offers  her  gold.) 

Second  Woman  :     O  lord  king,  my  loss  was  not  of  gold. 

Solomon  :  What  then  ?  Of  land  ?  Lo,  I  will  give  to 
thee  a  bit  of  land,  hard  by  a  spring  of  water — 

Second  Woman  :  O  lord  king,  I  have  lost  no  rood  of 
land. 

Solomon  :     Speak  then  thy  sorrow. 

Second  Woman  :  O  lord  king,  God  gave  unto  thy 
father  David  a  little  son  to  sit  upon  his  throne.  Speak, 
was  thy  father  glad? 

Solomon  :  Yea,  verily,  he  rejoiced  with  great  rejoic- 
ing. 

Second  Woman  :  And  thy  mother,  Bathsheba,  was  her 
heart  likewise  merry? 

Solomon  :  My  father  rejoiced,  but  his  rejoicing  was 
naught  in  the  measure  with  my  mother's  joy. 

Second  Woman  :  She  would  have  grieved  had'st  thou 
been  stolen  from  her? 

Solomon:  What  mother  would  not?  But,  woman,  to 
thy  tale — 

Second  Woman  :     My  tale  is  told.    O  son  of  Bathsheba, 


THE  JUDGMENT  OE  SOLOMON  109 

God  hath  given  to  thee  an  understanding  heart.  Let 
it  read  my  sorrow ;  give  me  back  my  child. 

Solomon  (bewildered) :     Woman,  I  have  not  thy  child. 

Second  Woman:  Nay,  but  thy  judge  in  Gibeon,  for 
gold  he  hath  rendered  false  judgment;  for  gold,  he 
hath  given  my  child  to  another  woman. 

Solomon:  Thou  canst  prove  this?  {She  makes  a 
despairing  gesture  of  denial.)  (Solomon  claps;  the 
Soldiers  enter. )  The  court  of  justice  was  held  here 
this  morn  ?  (  Soldier  bows. )  Bring  hither  the  case  of 
the  child  and  the  two  women.  (Soldiers  salute  and 
go.  Solomon  speaks  sternly  to  the  Woman.)  If 
thou  speakest  truly,  the  child  shall  be  given  thee:  but 
if  thou  hast  sought  to  move  me  by  a  lying  tale — ;  lo, 
I  shall  punish  thee  so  thou  shalt  wish  thou  never  had'st 
been  born. 

Second  Woman  (regarding  him  steadfastly):  I  have 
no  fear,  for  God  hath  given  to  thee  an  understanding- 
heart. 

(The  Judge  waddles  in.) 

Wicked  Judge:  What's  this?  What's  this?  My  lord 
the  king  desired  me?  (He  sees  the  Woman.)  Aha! 
Now  I  understand.  This  woman  hath  filled  thy  ears 
with  lying  tales.     Lord  king,  the  woman  is  mad — 

Second  Woman   (indignantly):     I  am  not  mad. 

Wicked  Judge  (blandly):  Mad,  T  say,  mad!  Deem- 
ing her  mad,  I  have  excused  what  otherwise  I  had — 
er — severely  punished. 

Second  Woman:     I  am  not  mad. 


no  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Wicked  Judge:  She  claims  the  child  of  another 
woman.  {He  taps  his  broiv  significantly.)  What  her 
game  is,  I  know  not,  but  she  saith,  I  am  corrupt,  and 
thou  but  a  beardless  youth.  She  saith  God  hath  given 
thee  a  kingdom,  but  not  the  wit  to  rule  it.  Ha,  ha ! 
(Soldiers  enter  with  First  Woman  and  Child.) 
Solomon  {turning  furiously  to  Second  Woman)  : 
Didst  thou  say  this? 

{The  Second  Woman  pays  no  attention  to  him;  she  is 
devouring  the  child  with  her  eyes.  SIic  holds  out  her 
arms  yearningly.) 

Second  Woman:     O  my  dove,  my  fair  one!      {She 

turns  to  Solomon.)     Look,  behold  my  baby !    See  his 

little  leg — ;  lord  king,  behold  his  dimples.     His  eyes 

are  like  doves  beside  the  water  brooks ;  his  cheeks  are 

as  a  bed  of  spices;  yea,  he  is  altogether  lovely.     And 

he  is  mine.     {She  turns  with  pride  to  the  King,  but 

shrinks  away  as  slie  sees  his  anger.) 
First  Woman  {advancing  to  High  Place)  : 

King  Solomon,  all  hail ! 

Thou  wisest  of  all  judges! 

Thou  canst  read  the  hearts  of  men; 

Thou  understandest  the  language  of  beasts  and  birds ; 

Lo,  I  bare  my  heart  to  thee. 

Read  thou! 

I  lay  my  child  before  thy  feet ; 

Judge  thou!     {SJie  places  child  at  foot  of  step.) 
Solomon:     Guard,  take  the  child.     (Second  Soldier 

lifts  the  child  stiffly.)     {To  First  Woman.)     Is  this 

thy  child? 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON    in 

First  Woman  :     God  knows. 

Solomon:  Aye,  but  I  would  likewise  know.  Hath 
neither  woman  a  witness? 

Wicked  Judge  (brusquely):  Pshaw!  Nonsense! 
There  is  no  doubt  at  all,  ()  mighty  son  of  David.  I 
have  examined  witnesses;  they  swear  the  child  is  hers. 
(Nods  toward  First  Woman.)  Moreover,  she  hath 
the  child;  possession  witnesses.  (Pats  First 
Woman.)  Fear  not,  my  girl;  the  king  will  do  thee 
right. 

Second  Woman  :  O  my  lord,  I  and  this  woman  dwell 
in  one  house.  And  this  woman's  child  died  in  the 
night;  and  she  arose  at  midnight,  and  took  my  son 
from  beside  me,  while  thine  handmaid  slept,  and  laid 
her  dead  son  beside  me.  And  when  I  arose  in  the 
morning,  the  child  was  dead;  but  when  I  had  con- 
sidered it,  behold,  it  was  not  my  son. 

First  Woman  :  Nay,  but  the  living  is  my  son,  and  the 
dead  is  thy  son. 

Second  Woman:  Nay,  but  the  dead  is  thy  son,  and 
the  living  is  my  son. 

Solomon  (sternly) :  Women,  approach.  (Both  stand 
before  him.  To  First  Woman.)  Thou  sayest,  "This 
is  my  son  that  liveth,  and  thy  son  is  the  dead."  (To 
Second  Woman.)  And  thou  sayest,  "Nay,  but  thy 
son  is  the  dead,  and  mine  is  the  living."  (To  Soldier.) 
Bring  hither  a  sword.     (First  Soldier  goes  out.) 

Wicked  Judge:  Lo,  what  is  in  the  king's  mind?  Will 
he  slay  yonder  woman  for  bearing  lying  witness? 


Ii2  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(Solomon  raises  his  hand  with  a  threatening  gesture; 
Judge  shrinks  back.  First  Soldier  returns  with 
sword.) 

Solomon  :  I  cannot  judge  between  you ;  let  God  judge. 
(  Turns  to  Soldier.)  Take  thou  the  sword ;  divide  the 
living  child  in  twain,  and  give  half  to  the  one  and  half 
to  the  other. 

(TJie  First  Woman  sJirinks  away.  The  Second 
Woman,  with  a  little  cry,  rusJics  between  the  Soldier 
who  holds  the  Child,  and  the  Soldier  who  holds 
sword.  She  stands  with  fists  doubled,  to  defend  the 
Child.     First  Soldier  throws  her  aside;  she  falls.) 

Wicked  Judge:  O  clever  judge!  O  mighty  son  of 
David!' 

First  Woman  (kneeling):  I  bow,  lord  king,  to  thy 
decree.  Let  the  child  be  neither  mine  nor  hers,  but 
divide  it. 

Second  Woman  (throwing  herself  before  King):  O 
my  lord,  my  lord,  give  her  the  child,  give  her  the  living 
child,  and  in  nowise  slay  it !  Let  the  child  live,  even 
though  it  be  within  her  arms,  lord — lord — 

Wicked  Judge  :  O  clever  judge !  Ha,  ha,  ha !  Through 
thee  indeed  the  Lord  hath  spoken !  Who  would  have 
thought  to  see  such  mighty  wisdom,  yea,  in  a  beard- 
less youth  ?  Thy  wit  hath  showed  the  truth,  and  made 
yon  lying  woman  eat  her  lies.  ( Taps  First  Woman.) 
Even  as  I  said,  the  child  is  hers.  (To  Soldier.)  (live 
unto  this  woman  her  child. 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON  113 

First  Soldier  (with  sword  upraised):  Is  it  thy  will, 
O  king*,  I  slay  the  child,  or  give  it  to  yon  woman? 

Solomon:  It  is  my  will  (he  bends  and  raises  Second 
Woman  gently)  thou  give  unto  this  woman  the  living 
child,  and  in  nowise  slay  it;  for  she  is  the  mother 
thereof,  because  she  loveth  much.  For  love  is  strong 
as  death  ;  jealousy  is  cruel  as  the  grave.  Many  waters 
cannot  quench  love;  neither  can  floods  drown  it. 

Wicked  Judge  (sourly):     Humph! 

Second  Woman  (rccck'ing  Child,  radiantly) :  He 
that  ruleth  over  men  righteously,  that  ruleth  in  the 
fear  of  God,  he  shall  be  as  the  light  of  the  morning 
when  the  sun  riseth,  a  morning  without  clouds,  when 
the  tender  grass  springeth  out  of  the  earth  through 
clear  shining  after  rain.    King  Solomon,  all  hail ! 

All:     King  Solomon,  all  hail! 

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be  repeated.) 

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THE  CHILDREN 


THE    JUDGMENT    OF    SOLOMON 

(Shorter  Version) 

THE    PEOPLE 

A  Herald.  King  Solomon. 

First  Soldier.  First  Woman. 

Second  Soldier.  Second  Woman. 

Dancing  Children.  Baby.  (A  real  baby.) 

THE  PLACE 
Gibeon,  where  Solomon  comes  to  offer  sacrifice. 

THE  PROPERTIES 

Palms,  or  branches  for  children  to  carry  in  dance, 
A  silver  basket  piled  high  with  oranges. 
A  trumpet. 
Two  spears. 
A  large  sword. 


116 


THE    JUDGMENT    OF    SOLOMON 

(The  Herald  enters,  followed  by  two  Soldiers.  The 
Herald  blows  his  trumpet;  the  tivo  Soldiers  flourish 
their  spears.) 

Herald:  Make  way,  make  way;  he  entereth  now  the 
city!    Way  for  King  Solomon,  the  son  of  David! 

Soldiers  :  Way  for  King  Solomon,  the  son  of  David ! 
Way!  Way!  (They  take  positions,  one  on  the  right 
hand  and  one  on  the  left.) 

First  Soldier  (conversationally):  He  cometh  hither 
for  sacrifice,  they  say. 

Second  Soldier:     Aye,  and  to  render  judgment. 

First  Soldier:     Is  it  true,  think  you,  that  he  is  wiser 

than  all  men  that  have  gone  before  him? 
Second  Soldier  (shrugs) :     So  men  say.    As  for  me, 

I  shall  judge  for  myself. 

First  Soldier  (poses  mockingly):  O  King  Solomon, 
King  Solomon,  little  thou  thinkest  that  the  while  thou 
art  judging  others,  a  mightier  shall  judge  thee ! 

Second  Soldier  (prodding  First  with  spear):  Be 
still,  thou  ass ;  he  cometh. 

(The  Soldiers  stiffen  to  attention  as  the  Children 
enter  dancing  and  singing.) 

Song:    Music,  "Hail  to  the  Monarch."      (See  Longer 

Version. ) 
(Cantata  of  Esther) 

117 


n8  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

{Enter  King  Solomon  followed  by  Two  Women  and 
Baby,  also  by  Pages  and  more  Soldiers  if  desired 
for  effect.    The  Children  bow  low.) 

Solomon  (lifting  his  hand)  :     The  Lord  be  with  you! 

All  :     And  with  thee  also,  O  thou  son  of  David ! 

Child  (offers  silver  basket  of  oranges) :  O  king,  a 
word  fitly  spoken  is  like  apples  of  gold,  in  baskets  of 
silver,  and  the  king  that  faithfully  judgeth  the  poor, 
his  throne  shall  be  established  forever. 

Solomon   (in  delight):     Ha!     Who  said  that? 

Child  (courtesies  demurely):     Your  Majesty! 

Solomon  :  Well  done !  Well  spoken !  I  shall  strive 
to  be  indeed  a  king  whose  judgments  shall  be  like  ap- 
ples of  gold  in  baskets  of  silver.  (He  turns  to  altar 
and  prays.)  O  Lord  God  of  my  fathers,  thou  hast 
made  thy  servant  king  instead  of  David  my  father, 
and  I  am  but  a  little  child.  I  know  not  how  to  go  out 
or  to  come  in.  Give  therefore  thy  servant  an  under- 
standing heart  to  judge  thy  people,  that  I  may  discern 
between  good  and  bad.  For  who  is  able  to  judge  this, 
thy  so  great  a  people? 

(While  he  prays  the  First  Woman  creeps  forward  and 
kisses  the  hem  of  his  robe.  Solomon  turns  and  re- 
gards her  with  wonder.  She  rises.) 

First  Woman:  O  king,  because  thou  hast  asked  this 
thing,  and  hast  not  asked  for  thyself  long  life,  nor  hast 
asked  the  life  of  thine  enemies,  but  hast  asked  under- 
standing to  discern  judgment,  behold  God  will  give 
to  thee  a  wise  and  understanding  heart,  so  that  there 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON  119 

was  none  like  thee  before  thee,  neither  after  thee  shall 
any  arise  like  unto  thee. 

Solomon  :  Who  art  thou  ?  For  it  was  thus  I  heard  the 
word  of  God  ringing  in  my  heart.     Who  art  thou? 

First  Woman  (prostrate) :  The  least  of  thy  servants 
— a  grain  of  dust  by  the  roadside. 

Solomon  :  Why  art  thou  come — here  to  the  Hall  of 
Judgment  ? 

First  Woman  (rising) :  O  my  lord,  I  and  this  woman 
(Indicates  Woman  with  Baby.)  dwell  in  one  house, 
and  her  son  died  in  the  night-time,  and  she  arose  at 
midnight  and  took  my  son  from  beside  me,  while  thine 
handmaid  slept,  and  laid  her  dead  son  beside  me — 

Second  W'oman  (insolently):     She  lieth,  lord  king. 

First  Woman:  When  I  arose  in  the  morning  the 
child  was  dead,  but  when  I  had  considered  it,  behold, 
it  was  not  my  son. 

Second  Woman;  Nay,  but  the  living  is  my  son,  and 
the  dead  is  thy  son. 

Solomon  (regards  both  silently  for  a  few  seconds): 
Women,  approach!  (Both  women  stand  before  him.) 
Thou  sayest,  "This  is  my  son  that  liveth,  and  thy  son 
is  the  dead,"  and  thou  sayest,  "Nay,  but  thy  son  is 
the  dead,  and  mine  is  the  living."  (To  Soldier.) 
Bring  hither  a  sword.     (Soldier  goes.) 

Herald  (with  curiosity) :  What  is  in  the  king's  mind? 
Will  he  slay  yonder  woman  for  bearing  lying  witness  ? 

(First  Soldier  returns  with  szvord.) 


120  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Solomon  :  I  cannot  judge  between  you  ;  let  God  judge. 
(To  Soldier.)  Take  thou  the  sword;  divide  the  liv- 
ing child  in  two,  and  give  half  to  the  one  and  half  unto 
the  other. 

(The  Second  Woman  crosses  hastily  to  the  left  as' 
though  to  flee;  the  First  Woman  darts  between  her 
and  the  Soldier  and  stands  ready,  with  clinched  fists, 
to  defend  the  Baby.  The  Second  Soldier  throivs  her 
aside  and  takes  the  Baby  from  the  other  woman.) 

Herald  (laughing):  O  clever  judge!  O  mighty  son 
of  David! 

Second  Woman  (bowing  low):  I  bow,  lord  king,  to 
thy  decree.  Let  the  child  be  neither  mine  nor  hers, 
but  divide  it. 

First  Woman  (with  a  little  panting  cry,  throws  herself 
before  Solomon)  :  O  my  lord,  my  lord,  give  her  the 
child,  give  her  the  living  child,  and  in  nowise  slay  it. 
Let  the  child  live,  even  though  it  be  within  her  arms — 
lord — lord — 

Herald:  O  prince  of  wisdom!  Through  thee  indeed 
the  Lord  hath  spoken.  Who  would  have  thought  to 
sec  such  mighty  judgment,  yea  in  a  beardless  youth? 
Thy  wit  hath  showed  the  truth  and  made  this  lying 
woman  eat  her  lies. 

Children  (swarming  about  Second  Woman  and  bow- 
ing to  her):     Hail,  mother  of  the  child! 

First  Soldier  (raises  sword  and  crosses  to  Second 
Soldier,  who  holds  Baby):  Is  it  thy  will,  O  king, 
1  slay  this  child,  or  give  it  to  yon  woman?  (Indicates 
Second  Woman.) 


THE  JUDGMENT  OF  SOLOMON         121 

Solomon:  It  is  my  will  (lie  raises  First  Woman  ten- 
derly) thou  give  unto  this  woman  the  living  child,  and 
in  nowise  slay  it ;  for  she  is  the  mother  thereof,  because 
she  loveth  much.  For  love  is  strong  as  death  ;  jealousy 
is  cruel  as  the  grave.  Many  waters  cannot  quench 
love ;  neither  can  floods  drown  it. 

First  Woman  (eagerly  receives  Baby  and  cuddles  it) : 
O  king,  he  who  ruleth  over  men  righteously,  who  rul- 
eth  in  the  fear  of  God,  he  shall  be  as  the  light  of  the 
morning  when  the  sun  riseth,  a  morning  without 
clouds,  when  the  tender  grass  springeth  out  of  the 
earth  through  clear  shining  after  rain.  King  Solo- 
mon, all  hail ! 

All  (raising  palms):     King  Solomon,  all  hail! 

(.  ///  pass  out  singing  the  children's  song.) 


THE   GOOD    SAMARITAN 


THE  PEOPLE 

Prologue  and  Epilogue 
(The  same.) 


First  Thief. 
Second  Thief. 
Third  Thief. 
The  Jew. 
First  Servant. 


Second  Servant. 
The  Priest. 
First  Levite. 
Second  Levite. 
The  Good  Samaritan. 
The  Host. 


THE  PLACE 


A  lonely  road  with  an  inn  in  the  distance.    If  the  play  is 
given  indoors,  any  door  may  represent  the  inn. 

THE  PROPERTIES 

Three  sticks  or  cudgels  for  the  thieves. 

A  wine  bottle,  packet  of  food,  and  cloak  for  Jew. 

Huge  empty  boxes,  covered  with  bright  cloth  and  bound 

with  heavy  cord  for  the  servants  to  carry. 
If  the  illusion  of  night-time  can  be  carried  out,  have  the 

Samaritan  carry  a  lanthorn  on  a  stick,  and  have  the 

Host   appear,   wearing  a   nightcap   and   carrying   a 

candle  (electric  candle). 
A  cloth  to  bind  the  wounds  of  the  Jew. 


122 


THE   GOOD    SAMARITAN 

(//  this  play  be  given  out  of  doors,  the  thieves  must  con- 
ceal themselves  in  the  shrubbery  before  the  play  be- 
gins;  if   indoors,   they   may   conceal   themselves   in 
corners,  or  creep  in.) 
{Enter  the  Prologue.) 

Prologue:  And,  behold,  a  certain  lawyer  stood  up, 
and  tempted  him,  saying,  Master,  what  shall  I  do  to 
inherit  eternal  life? 

He  said  unto  him,  What  is  written  in  the  law  ? 
And  he  answering  said,  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord 
thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and 
with  all  thy  strength,  and  with  all  thy  mind ;  and  thy 
neighbor  as  thyself. 

And  he  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  answered  right: 
this  do,  and  thou  shalt  live. 

But  he,  willing  to  justify  himself,  said  unto  Jesus, 
And  who  is  my  neighbor? 

And  Jesus   spake   unto   them   this   parable.     (The 
Prologue  draws  to  one  side  and  stands  watching  the 
action  of  the  parable.) 
(The  Thieves  pop  their  heads  out  of  the  shrubbery  and 

advance  cautiously.) 
First  Thief:     Hark'ee,  brothers,   I  have  sure  word 
that  one  of  our  profession  is  coming  this  day  from 
Jerusalem  to  Jericho,  bearing  rich  merchandise. 
Second  Thief  (eagerly) :     To  join  our  band? 

123 


i24  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Eirst  Thief:     Fool,  I  mean  a  rich  man. 

Second  Thief:     Ohe,  a  very  rich  man? 

First  Thief:     A  very  rich  man! 

Third  Thief:  We  will  share  his  ill-gotten  gains  in 
right  neighborly  fashion — if  he  be  willing. 

Second  Thief:     But  if  not — ? 

First  Thief:     If  not?    With  a  crack  on  the  head! 

Second  Thief:     Aye! 

Third  Thief:  Aye!  {They  listen,  then  creep  cau- 
tiously into  shrubbery.) 

{Enter  the  Jew  and  his  Servants.  They  carry  big  bales 
of  merchandise  and  advance  fearfully.) 

Jew:     Come  on,  my  men,  come  on;  what  do  ye  fear? 

First  Servant   {trembling)'.     Master,   I  like  not  the 

look  of  the  lonely  road;  they  say  thieves  lie  in  wait 

here  to  rob  rich  travelers. 
Jew  {casting  a  worried  look  around):     Then  hasten, 

hasten !    ( He  passes  out. ) 
Second    Servant    {scornfully):     Thieves!      Thieves! 

Have  we  no  sticks? — no  cudgels? 
First  Servant  {feelingly) :     So  have  the  thieves. 
Second  Servant:     Faint-heart!    Hath  not  the  master 

paid   us   yellow   gold   to   guard   his   merchandise   to 

Jericho  ? 
First  Servant:     Ai!     I   would   I  were  in  Jerusalem 

again.     (Suddenly  he  clutches  the  other.)     Yonder! 

Didst  not  see  something  stirring? 


THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN  125 

Second  Servant:     Bah!     (Shakes  him  off.) 

First  Servant:  Let  us  but  say  a  prayer.  (His  knees 
knock  together.) 

(The  Jew  reenters  and  beckons  angrily.) 

Jew:     Hurry,  ye  fools!     It  will  be  night  ere — 
(Load  and  piercing  whistles  and  cries  come  from  shrub- 
bery. The  Servants  drop  their  goods  and  flee  wildly.) 

Jew  (cries):  Stay!  Stay!  Ah,  the  good  gold  pieces 
I  paid  you  rascals!  (He  tries  to  gather  together  Jiis 
goods) :     Ai!   Ai! 

(The  Thieves  gather  closely  round  him.) 

First  Thief:  Master,  wilt  help  three  poor  and  hungry 
men  ? 

Jew  (looks  up  and  cries) :     Help!   Help! 

Second  Thief:  'Tis  unneighborly  ye  arc.  Our 
stomachs  yearn  for  some  of  thy  rich  wine.  (  He  lays 
hold  of  the  Jew's  wine  bottle.) 

Jew   (resisting):     Help!     Help!     Thieves! 

Third  Thief:     Bat  him  over  the  head.     (They  do  so; 

he  falls.) 
First  Thief  (drinking  of  bottle) :     Ah ! 
Second  Thief  (opening  Jew's  pack  and  eating) :     Ah! 

Third  Thief  (trying  on  Jew's  outer  garment. ) :  Ah — 
ha! 

(The  First  Thief  makes  a  grab  at  the  garment.  Strug- 
gle. .Ill  fight  for  the  goods.  Suddenly  all  listen  in- 
tently, then  tlec,  taking  the  goods  with  them.  ) 


126  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(The  Jew  groans.  Enter  the  Priest.  He  regards  the 
Jew.) 

Priest:  What's  this?  Er — r,  a  dead  man  surely!  I 
must  notify  the  authorities.  Yet — 'twould  be  very 
awkward  to  be  detained  and  questioned.  They  will 
find  him  sooner  or  later.     A  dead  man  surely ! 

( The  Jew  groans.  The  Priest  stops  his  ears  and  hastens 
out.    Enter  two  Levites.) 

First  Levite  :  Humph !  One  cannot  come  by  this 
road  without  finding  signs  of  thievery  and  murder. 

Second  Levite:     It  gives  the  district  a  bad  name. 

First  Levite:  We  might  carry  him  as  far  as  your 
home. 

Second  Levite:  Nay!  If  I  brought  the  fellow  there, 
my  wife  might  not  like  it.  Let  us  carry  him  to  your 
home. 

First  Levite:  We'd  better  not  meddle,  I  reckon. 
After  all  it's  no  affair  of  ours. 

Second  Levite  (has  a  bright  idea) :  We'll  tell  the  inn- 
keeper to  send  and  fetch  him. 

(The  Jew  groans;  the  Levites  hurry  out.  Enter  the 
Samaritan.) 

Samaritan:  Ah!  Too  bad!  (He  bends  over  Jew.) 
Courage,  my  friend!  (Jew  groans.  The  Samaritan 
binds  up  his  head.)  Canst  walk  as  far  as  the  inn  yon- 
der?   (He  assists  Jew  to  rise.) 

Jew  (zvails) :  They  have  stolen  my  all!  I  am  ruined — 
ruined — ruined ! 


THE  GOOD  SAMARITAN  127 

Samaritan  (cheerfully):  Better  ruined  than  dead! 
{They  approach  inn.  He  cries):  Mine  host!  Ho! 
Ho!     (Knocks.) 

(Enter  the  Host.  The  Priest  and  Levites  follow,  peer- 
ing over  the  Host's  shoulder.) 

Samaritan  :  I  found  this  poor  fellow  in  the  road — 
beaten  by  thieves  no  doubt. 

First  Levite  (to  Host)  :  It's  the  fellow  I  told  you  of. 
(To  Samaritan.)  Good  heavens,  fellow,  why  did'st 
carry  him  hither,  and  wake  honest  people  up  in  the 
dead  of  night?  The  thing  to  do  was  to  notify  the 
authorities.  You  cannot  go  to  the  rescue  of  every  man 
you  see  in  trouble. 

Samaritan:     Why  not?    We  are  all  brothers. 

Second  Levite:     Bah!     (The  Levites  retire.) 

Priest:  But,  fellow,  it  was  no  concern  of  yours.  He 
is  a  Jew  and  you  are  a  Samaritan. 

Samaritan:     Well,  sir,  we  all  have  one  Father. 

Priest  (sourly) :     Humph  !    (He  turns  and  goes.) 

Samaritan  :  Will  you  take  him  in  ?  Here  is  two  pence 
for  thy  care  of  him;  and  whatsoever  thou  spendest 
more,  when  I  come  again,  I  will  repay  thee. 

Host:  I  will  obey  thee,  sir.  (He  supports  Jew  with 
his  arm.) 

Samaritan:     Farewell.    (He  goes.) 

Host  (watching  him  go) :  He's  a  good  fellow— that  is, 
for  a  Samaritan.     (He  leads  Jew  within.) 


128  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

(The  Epilogue  advances.) 

Epilogue:  Priest  —  Levite  —  Samaritan  —  which  of 
these  three,  thinkest  thou,  proved  neighbor  unto  him 
that  fell  among  thieves? 

(Epilogue  passes  out.) 


MANGER    SERVICE 

THE  PEOPLE 

Three  Children  Clad  as  Angels. 
Three  Children  Clad  as  Kings. 
Three  Children  Clad  as  Shepherds. 
Five  Little  Girls. 
The  Class  Bearing  Gifts. 

THE  PLACE 
The  chancel  of  the  church,  or  platform. 

THE  PROPERTIES 

A  manger  filled  with  hay,  in  center  of  chancel. 

A  big  star  on  a  pole. 

Shepherd's  crooks. 

A  hood. 

Mittens. 

A  doll. 

A  toy. 

Stockings  filled  with  gifts. 

At  the  beginning  of  Advent  each  child,  who  so  desires, 
is  given  a  stocking  with  its  mate  tucked  in  the  toe,  and 
the  name  of  some  child,  who  would  go  without  the  joys 
of  a  Christmas  stocking,  if  this  stocking  were  not  filled. 

Manger  Sunday,  the  Sunday  before  Christmas,  they 
bring  these  stockings  filled,  with  toys,  something  to  eat 
and  something  warm  to  wear. 

129 


MANGER    SERVICE 

(The  Children  robed  as  Angels  enter  the  chancel. 
They  pause  before  manger.) 

First  Angel: 

Why  is  this  manger  filled  with  hay, 
Placed  here  ?    Surely  it  stood  one  day 
In  the  stable  of  Bethlehem  ? 

Second  Angel: 

There's  a  whisper  of  music  in  the  air, 
And  children's  voices  sounding  fair. 
Wait,  we  will  ask  of  them. 

(The  procession  starts  from  the  back  of  the  church, 
singing.  First  conic  the  three  Shepherds,  then  the 
three  Kings,  bearing  the  star,  then  the  five  little  Girls, 
then  the  Class  bearing  gifts,  and  lastly  the  Choir 
(if  there  is  a  choir.) 

Song:   Music,  "Onward,  Christian  Soldiers!" 


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132  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

{They  reach  the  chancel.    The  Angels  question  them 
in  song.) 

Song:  Music,  "Christmas-time  Songs  and  Carols" 
by  Mrs.  Crosby  Adams  (page  10). 

Angels  (sing) : 

Little  children,  who  are  ye, 
Clad  like  shepherds  ?    List  to  me, 
For  I  am  a  stranger : 
Why  do  ye  come  here  to-day  ? 

Choir  or  Class  (sing  answer)  : 

It  was  the  shepherds  who  first,  they  say, 
Beheld  the  Child  in  the  manger, 
Beheld  the  Child  in  the  manger. 

(The  three  Shepherds  enter  chancel  and  recite.) 

Shepherds: 

We  come  as  the  shepherds  came  that  day 
To  see  where  the  baby  Jesus  lay. 
And  we  pray 

The  Christ-love  dwell  in  our  hearts  this  Christmas 
day. 

Angels  (sing) : 

Little  kings  whom  I  behold, 

Robed  in  purple,  crowned  with  gold, 

Hearken  to  a  stranger : 

Tell  me  why  you  carry  a  star ! 

Choir  or  Class  (sing  answer)  : 

Led  by   such   wonderful   light   afar, 
The  wise  kings  found  the  manger, 
The  wise  kings  found  the  manger. 


MANGER  SERVICE  133 

( 'Flic  three  Kings  enter  chancel  and  recite.) 

Kings: 

We  come  as  the  wise  kings  came,  they  say, 

Following  ever  the  star-lit  way ; 

And  we  pray 

The  ligfht  shine  in  our  hearts  this  Christmas  daw 

Angels  (sing) : 

Children,  'tis  two  thousand  years 
Since  the  kings  and  shepherd  seers 
Found  that  Baby  sleeping. 
Where  the  wise  men  of  to-day? 

Choir  or  Class  (sing  anszver)  : 

All  those  who  follow  in  Jesus'  way, 
And  that's  the  way  we're  seeking, 
And  that's  the  way  we're  seeking. 

(The  five  little  Girls  enter  chancel.) 

First  Little  Girl  (holding  up  a  stocking  tilled  with 
toys) : 
Years  ago  in  a  manger  bare 
A  Baby  lay. 

He  lived  a  life  so  wondrous  fair, 
He  showed  the  way. 
And  as  he  bade,  we'd  like  to  give 
On  Christmas  day. 

Second  Little  Girl  (holding  up  hood  and  mittens) : 
With  other  children  we  would  share 
Our  Christmas  joy. 
A  hood,  some  mittens  too  I  bear. 


134  SHORTER  BIBLE  PLAYS 

Third  Little  Girl  (holding  up  doll) :     I  bring  a  doll. 

Fourth  Little  Girl  (holding  up  toy) :     I  bring  a  toy. 

Fifth  Little  Girl  (holding  up  stocking) : 
To  children  who  have  less  than  we, 
We  bring  these  gifts  right  lovingly. 

Third  Angel: 

O  little  children,  if  love  ye  bring, 
It  equals  the  gift  of  shepherd  or  king. 
So  kneel,  little  children,  and  humbly  pray, 
Your  gifts  carry  blessing  on  Christmas  day. 

(All  kneel  and  sing.    Music,  "Gaudcanuis  Igitur."   For 
music  see  conclusion  Noah's  Flood.) 
Father  of  all  children, 
For  all  children  we  would  pray: 
Thou  who  gave  a  little  child 
To  the  world  on  Christmas  dav, 
Grant  our  gifts  may  carry  gladness, 
Grant  our  love  may  banish  sadness. 
Lead  us  in  the  loving  way, 
Lead  us  in  the  loving  way. 

(All  rise.  The  Class  conies  forward  and  places  the 
stockings  in  manger.  Then  all  disperse,  singing  a 
Christmas  carol.) 

(At  the  conclusion,  if  so  desired,  a  very  little  child  max 
repeat  these  lines  by  Christina  Rossetti.) 

"What  can  I  give  Him, 
Poor  as  I  am? 


MANGER  SERVICE  135 

If  I  were  a  shepherd, 

I  would  give  a  lamb; 
If  I  were  a  wise  king, 

I  would  do  my  part. 
What  can  I  give  Him? 

Give  my  heart!" 

The  End. 


H 


S—^d 


*Qffl 


ZJ^L 





/■; 


Date  Due 


'.    • 


JAN 


Princeton  Theological  Semmary-Speer  Library 


012  01038  4925 


